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Testing Window Period
The Waiting Game: When and How Often?
The timeframe between when you are exposed to HIV to the time you test positive for HIV antibodies can be up to 3-6 months. This period of time is called a “window period” for HIV testing. On average, you may need to wait 2 to 8 weeks from the time of possible exposure to get a an accurate test result, because it takes at least that long for the immune system to develop enough HIV antibodies to be detectable.
If you took an HIV test within the first 3 months after possible exposure, you should consider getting another test 3 months later to confirm your results. Most providers recommend testing at 1-3 months after your most recent possible exposure.
For more information, see CDC’s Deciding If and When to Be Tested.
Last revised: 04/16/2010
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