If I had unsafe sex or had a blood transfusion, or had a doubt of infection, when should I take and what type of test should I take?
Window Period for Testing HIV 1 & HIV 2 Virus
- If it is 10 to 15 days after exposure, RT-PCR tests will give an accurate result.
- HIV 1 & HIV 2 – Qualitative RT-PCR Test – Results in 3 hours.
- HIV 1 & HIV 2 – Quantitative RT-PCR Test – Results in 4 hours.
- If it is almost 20 days to 30 days of exposure you may go for an Antigen / Antibody Test to be accurate.
- HIV – Screening Rapid Test – Results in 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- However, based on immunity these may differ for everyone.
- Therefore, a periodic test after 45 to 60 days is recommended to be sure of the absence of the virus.