HIV window period

[Miller257]

Why do some people recommend 6 weeks and other 12 weeks between testing. Dr. HHH and EWH seem confident in the reliability of 6 week tests, while others stress the 12 week test.

Also, why does HIV take a while to show up in some people? Does it depend on people's immune systems?

[Teak]

Because the manufacture, and the FDA places the guidelines on the tests.

[Miller257]

Several people have said that Dr. HHH and EWH have never seen anyone test positive after a 6 week negative. So why do they still suggest 3 months?

[dynamo17]

using 3 months as the definitive guideline is the most surefire way, agreed.

[LIZZIE LOU]

a test at 6 weeks is a good indicator of the final result...but according to the guidelines set forth by the FDA and the manufacturers of the tests...a conclusive result is obtained at 3 months.  UNTIL this guideline is changed...no one can claim conclusive results at 6 weeks.  period!

[baggio10]

Not really actually.  Even for unprotected vaginal/anal sex the 6-8 week period will still return VERY reliable results (over 95% accuracy).  They say that the 3 month period is 100% reliable, but even at 6-8 someone will get very accurate and reliable result.  

[dynamo17]

Dr. HHH and Dr. Hook also use their judgment inr egard to riskiness of the situation to determine if a 6-8 week is ok for most people. For instance, they may consider a 6-8 week negative for oral to be fine. Whereas unprotected homosexual with an HIV + partner would most likely be 3 months.