in the blood is called the window period. Getting tested during the window period might yield inaccurate results. The window period varies from person to person. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health considers the test highly reliable at 6 weeks from the initial infection.
antibodies can take up to 6 weeks to show in the blood so if you are being tested during that time, you should probably get tested again later to be sure.
" result is false. This is why every "reactive" or "positive" result is followed up with a blood test to verify the results. A negative result is always accurate, unless you have been exposed to HIV within the last 6 weeks.
There are not tests approved to give one a conclusive negative test result earlier than 3 months. If you would have talked to the MASS Dept of Health they would have explained it. That anyone with a "real" risk tests out to 3 months.
I am not sure if my english is poor enough that I misred harvard school and chilren's hospital statements. In the statement, it clearly say that 6 week is conclusive and only within 6 week period need retest. It appies for any one regardless risk factor. And they quoted the guidline from helath department of MA. I am a foreigner, I am not confident on my english. I just felt if MA health department are correct, the necessary 3 month guildline really made lot of peoples mental stress, is that worth for it?