window period

I know this is a question that never dies.... I apologize but would appreciate any feedback.  Dr. H states it is almost unheard of for a positive test to be delayed 3 months with almost 100% accuarcy at 6 weeks. From an outside perspective is a 10 week test conclusive ?? I had all this anxiety built up about getting tested an now wonder if the extra 2 weeks mean my test wasn't good. There are a bunch of websites including the CDC that state you MUST wait 3 months. thanks

[cholny29]

I think for majority of ppl 10 wks would be sufficient.  you already know what doc hhh says about it that the 6-8wk is all you need but then of course when you hear someone else say 3 mo or you see it printed somewhere it scares the living **** out of you! I know, I was getting tested the other day at lab corp, and there was a print out saying that most all ppl would test positive by 3 mo and rare cases test positive at 6 and 12 month and you are thinking what the heck?  I just try to put majority of my faith in dr hhh and God knowing that dr hhh is an expert in this area and he has never seen someone test positive after a six wk negative.  that is what i try and tell myself each time i get freaked out (all the time).  i am a huge worrywort so I would get tested at 13 wk but I don't think that is necessary if you can personally allow your mind to rest at 10-12 wks. Goodluck!

[dumbinvegas]

10 weeks test negative is going to be pretty much conclusive... HOwever, depending on the activity you engaged in you might want to test again in 3 months and 6 months just to be sure (ex unprotected anal sex or sharing infected needles etc..)  Also, numbers below were posted and backed up by the doc, with current accuracy of the 3rd genereation of HIV anitbody tests... These were posted back in 04/05, like over a year ago... Good luck!

By a standard 3rd genertaion antibody test, a following number is suggested:

anti-body detected one week after the exposure :22.6%
anti-body detected two weeks after the exposure :53.775%
anti-body detected three weeks after the exposure :84.1%;
anti-body detected four weeks after the exposure :98.4%
anti-body detected five weeks after the exposure :99.45%
anti-body detected six weeks after the exposure :99.994%
anti-body detected seven weeks after the exposure :99.99986%
anti-body detected eight weeks after the exposure :99.999999979%

[who_dis]

You are fine.  Go read some of Dr. HHH's responses on this subject.  Some gov. agencies have a CYA policy, and recommend 3 months when there is little evidence to back this up.

6-8 weeks should be fine.  You're ok.

[goodhope250]

Hello Doc, im really worried about this window period. i got tested after 18 weeks, 4 and a half month and i still freak out thinking abt my HIV status and that puts me in horrible depression and i get fevers and chills. i cant concentrate on my job and im at the verge of being thrown out frm the organization bcoz of my insane mental status. pleez help me. mine was a complete protected intercourse with a HIV positive lady.

[Teak]

This is not the doctor's forum. Whatever is causing your worries has nothing to do with HIV. You have a conclusive negative result.

[Daveansh]

if you r afraid and not at peace...so do ur 3 months test..which will be neg...and then u can live quietly...better remove all the doubts...