Window period and symptoms

[UKguy82]

I read somewhere that people showing symptoms of infection, will test quicker for antibodies in a test.  1) is this true? 2) does it have the opposite effect if there are no symptoms, would it take longer for such individuals to gain an accurate result?

Thanks.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No, the 12 week figure is an average.  At 8 weeks between 98 and 99% of all tests that are going to be positive will have already become positive.  Take the 81 day result you have as proof that you are not infected.  Take care.  EWH

[mistake428]

You will not get a response from the doctor...
One this is the doctor’s forum and you must submit your own thread
Two you hijacked someone else’s thread

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[laseraid]

Hello I'm a 28 years old male, I had PROTECTED sex with a prostitute female in the 8th of Jan 2007, after that I got worried and I tested for HIV after one week, and because I know the period is not enough to get an accurate test result, so I tested again after 1 Month, and then tested after 5 months 10 days, and then I recently took another test (after 1 year 7 months). All of the 4 results came out negative. Do I need to be worried after all that. Please help I'm married now and I'm being worried about my wife.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Your question is really rather silly.  Of course there are no data of the sort you are asking for.  With each passing day beyond the 8 week time point, a very tiny proportion of the very small proportion of tested people who are going to develop positive tests will do so.  For you to be asking such a question suggests that your anxiety over this is getting the best of you.  I will not fuel that anxiety by continuing to respond to questions of this sort.  No further questions please.  EWH

[UKguy82]

Is there anyway it can be quantified the chances of having a negative result at 11 weeks 4 days (81 days) to it possibly changing once that 12 week UK guideline has passed? So compared with say taking a test after 12 weeks 2 days (86 days) Is this period of time crucial in anyway? Please give your thoughts....

[worriedsick200]

If you're finding it hard to trust your results and really feel that you can't move on with your life, simply have another test in a few weeks - you can be certain of a negative result. I tested negative at the 79 day mark but have had trouble believing the result - I believe this uncertainty has been born out of a huge dose of guilt, anxiety, stress and depression with some weird symptoms thrown into the mixing bowl. I had another test on tuesday and get the results tomorrow - at least I'll be certain after. Ultimately, if you find it hard to believe your results, have a test well out of the "window period". If that fails to quit you of the anxiety, consider counseling.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No value whatsoever.  Get over this and move on with your life.  EWH

[UKguy82]

So there is no need for future re-testing then? The fact that my test result was gained 3 days short of the UK recommended 12 week window period is this not important? Can I be sure of my negative status?

[UKguy82]

Thank you doctor, quick question then,  I have not experienced any symptoms really and I have taken a UK test after 11 weeks and 4 days (81 days) not the required 12 weeks as I have been told here in the UK, would you say I can rely on the negative result that I have received?  Or are the additional 2/3 days important?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

People who are experiencing the ARS (Acute retroviral syndrome) are experiencing symptoms caused by the presence of the HIV virus circulating in their blood.  While some might suggest that this means that antibodies to infection could appear (and therfore be detectable) sooner in such people, I am not aware that this is the case.  Even if it did, on average, one would expect little effect of symptoms on how long it takes to develop a postive HIV test.  I hope this helps.  Take care.  EWH