HIV WINDOW PERIOD

A HIV test is a test that reveals whether HIV is present in the body.
Commonly-used HIV tests detect the antibodies produced by the immune system in response to HIV, as it is much easier (and cheaper) to detect antibodies than the virus itself. Antibodies are produced by the immune system in
response to an infection. For most people, it takes three months for these antibodies to develop. In rare cases, it can take up to six months. During
this “window period” of early infection a person is at their most infectious.
How long after possible exposure should I wait to be tested for HIV?
Generally, it is recommended that you wait three months after possible exposure before being tested for HIV. Although HIV antibody tests are very sensitive,
there is a ‘window period’ of 3 to 12 weeks, which is the period between infection with HIV and the appearance of detectable antibodies to the virus.
In the case of the most sensitive anti- HIV tests currently recommended, the window period is about three weeks. This period may be longer if less sensitive tests are used. During the window period, people infected with HIV have no antibodies in their blood that can be detected by an HIV test. However, the person may already have high levels
of HIV in their body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk.
HIV can be passed on to another person during the window period even though an HIV test may not show that you are infected with HIV. Why should I get a HIV test? Knowing your HIV status has two vital benefits.

Firstly, if you are HIV positive, you can take necessary steps before symptoms appear to access treatment, care and support services, thereby potentially prolonging your life for many
years.

Secondly, if you know you are infected, you can take all the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of HIV to others.

Thirdly, your health care provider may recommend it, for example if you are pregnant and want to protect your unborn child. It may also be recommended by your health care
provider if you are unwell, in order to obtain a more accurate medical assessment. Where can I get tested?
There are many places where you can be tested for HIV: a local clinic, at the offices of a private doctor, a local health department, hospitals, family planning clinics and sites specifically set up for HIV testing. Always ensure that the testing place has counselling provided. In some communities home- based counseling and testing are available and
can include couples counseling and support for safe post test disclosure of results. Are my test results confidential?
The results of the HIV test must be kept
absolutely confidential.
Consent
Before you take a HIV test you must give informed consent prior to being tested. Ideally it is given individually, in private, in the presence of a health care provider.
This means your health care provider should provide certain pre-test information to you and give you the opportunity for your questions to be
answered.