How long can HIV go undetected?

[scared100850]

So everywhere I read (including this website) I see posts about people concerned with HIV. Usually they get told by a doctor that if they have been tested after being out of the window period and it's negative, than they can move on with their life.

Now I also have read that it could take many years for HIV to be detected and that you should be tested regularly because of it.

Basically a negative HIV test at 3 months or 6 months for that matter, is still not a conclusive result.

Is all this true!?!?!? If so, why are doctor's in this forum telling people not to worry after 6 months if it can go undetected so long?

Are the doctor's being irresponsible?

I tried asking a doctor this question but it said I needed to pay 20 dollars to do so. I paid 15 dollars to join and be able to ask a doctor about 2 weeks ago. Can anyone tell me why it's 20 dollars now, and why do I have to pay again if it's only been 2 weeks?

[JamesD1991]

This thread is almost 5 years old.  No idea why you commented on it.....

[NapaNurse]

Yes, you can put it behind you after 3 months, as long as you are not practicing high risk behavior. Maybe others weren't being clear & were trying to say that it can take 5-10 years for signs & symptoms of HIV infection to appear.

[scared100850]

Thanks so much for that link. Also everyone that answered thank you.

So everyone agrees that at 3 months if your negative you are not just going to suddenly test positive 10 years from now? The reason I ask is that I have spoken to people and read that HIV might not be detected for several years and that's even using the best tests around.

So if you are positive there is no way it can go undetected for more than 3-6 months? And after your window period you can put it behind you?

[humbleman]

god bless you for such a comment .

[tryingthisagain75]

Dr. HHH posted this:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/HIV-Prevention/-A-Question-on-Testing/show/1347755
He says testing at 8 weeks is nearly conclusive.  Given his level of expertise and experience on the subject, I would trust him.  6 months is completely outdated.  3 months you are beyond in the clear.

[Vance2335]

As far as why $20 ask Medhelp. Prices increase, some forums are more then others.

Don't know where you read it can take years but that literature is incorrect. As Kumar said 3 months is conclusive tests.

[kumar007]

cdc guideline..a test at 3 months after exposure is conclusive..
this has been since 2004...