Window period?

[ReggieT]

Hello Doctors. There is alot of information on window periods in this forum and I wanted to find out for myself about facts from either of you. My situation: I had unprotected virginal sex with a female who has been around with a few men and I am unsure of her HIV status. I have read from here that window periods above 6-8 weeks are only due to or may be to people on Anti HIV meds such as PEP or people on Cancer treatment. CDC states that some people 3% can go past 3 months and upto 6 months in their window period (CDC Jan 22, 2007). Who are these people(the 3%) that they talk about and why do their bodies take longer. I am scared to death that my current partner may get infected by me and that I need to wait upto six months to be 100% clear. I have been tested at 25days after exposure, 6 weeks and 14 weeks. All have been duo tests and been negative. My concern/question is there any chance on earth that I can go past this period to have HIV down the track. I dont want to live with myself if I infected someone else. I know that you have mentioned that some data is behind the times but I would like to know that its fact now that testing with window periods between the 6-8 weeks outside the resons I mentioned above. Also would my tests guarantee that I 100% not infected or will be in the future?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum. the question you raise is one we deal with all too frequently, i.e. why the variation in recommended testing periods following exposure.  The recommendations for testing at 3 and even 6 months are the result of two factors- data from studies of older tests no longer used (you really do not need to worry about which generation of tests you were tested with, at this time virtually all tests are far more sensitive that they were even 2-3 years ago when the 3 month recommendation was made) and secondly, the fact that some mostly governmental agencies which have to provide recommendations for virtually everyone without the sort of interactions such as those you get with your doctor or n-on personalized sites such as this, feel the cannot "afford" to be wrong and therefore make recommendations and guidelines which leave most people unnecessarily nervous for 4-6 weeks longer than the 6-8 weeks it takes virtually everyone to develop HIV antibodies.  

In your own case that you have been tested with Duo (antigen/antibody) tests just adds confidence to me being able to say that you do not have HIV.  Chances are your partner did not have HIV to start with and the per exposure risk of infection is very low as explained innumerable times on other posts on this Forum.  Now your test results prove you did not get infected.  

Bottm line, be completely confident in your results. You do not have HIV and do not need further testing.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Please re-read my answers. I have answered your question.  You do not have HIV.  You do not need to worry.

Why would you think I can answer for the CDC?

I really have nothing more to say.  It is time for this threadd to end.  EWH

[ReggieT]

You mentioned the data from old tests that recommend testing at longer periods and the improvement with newer test. Excluding the tests can the body produce antibodies after 8wk to 3 months where a new test wouldn't pick it and why hasn't the CDC updated its recommendations as Drs like your self that practice and teach this everyday suggest shorter testing periods? Another question: Is there any chance for my body to produce HIV in the future?  Thanks