Published on May 12, 2023 | 9:58 AM
Share Article :
HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, remains a significant global health concern. According to the CDC, 30,635 people were diagnosed in the United States in 2020, and it's estimated that over 1,189,700 Americans are living with the condition today with 87% of that number being aware. When it comes to the timely detection of HIV, the goal is to get screened after the window period. The window period is the time between potential exposure and when the test can accurately detect the related infection.
We can understand that the immediate reaction to a possible HIV infection is to get tested fast. However, HIV testing is somewhat different from others, with immediate or early testing proving inconclusive while doing so sometime after possible transmission proves far more accurate. Waiting the right amount of time after potential exposure to when you could test positive is important for accurate results. HIV also needs both screening and confirmation testing for the best possible treatment and follow-up procedures.
Tests for HIV are split into two categories, screening and confirmation. Screening tests can involve oral or vaginal swabbing, but typically use blood with a pinprick or drawing for more accurate results. In such instances, these tests are known as:
Most accurate when waiting out the full length of the window period, the confirmation test can result in a false negative if taken before the window period runs out. Additionally, tests like the rapid antibody can result in a false negative if taken outside of a professional environment or when blood is not used. In the case of a positive or false positive, the patient will then go through any of the following confirmation tests:
Each reviewed in a lab environment, confirmation tests are not meant for screening and work best with combination antigen and antibody tests. Initiated only after receiving a positive screening, these tests are reviewed in a laboratory and have a high degree of accuracy.
Screening tests are initial tests used to identify individuals who may have a particular condition, such as HIV, while confirmation tests are more specific and accurate tests performed to confirm a diagnosis in individuals who have tested positive on a screening test.
Screening tests aim to quickly identify a large number of individuals for further evaluation Generally coming in three different types, the most common types of screening tests are rapid antibody that deliver results in around 20 minutes, antibody tests reviewed in a lab, or a combination antibody and antigen test also reviewed in labs. The combination test is the most accurate because it gathers the most information.
Confirmation tests for HIV are specialized laboratory-based tests that are performed to confirm the presence of HIV infection in individuals who have tested positive on a screening test. More accurate than the screening tests, doctors typically prefer the Western blot. Unlike screening tests that detect HIV antibodies or antigens, confirmation tests directly detect specific HIV antibodies or the genetic material (RNA or DNA) of the virus. Confirmation tests help to rule out false-positive results and provide a definitive diagnosis, ensuring accurate identification of HIV infection and allowing for a greater degree of treatment to be initiated.
Yes, it is possible to test negative for HIV and still have the infection. This scenario can occur during what is known as the "window period" – the time between HIV infection and when the immune system produces enough antibodies or antigens to be detectable by HIV tests.
Depending on the type of test used, the window period can range from a few weeks to a few months. During this period, an individual may test negative despite being infected and capable of transmitting the virus to others. Therefore, it is important to consider the appropriate testing timeline and consult with healthcare professionals for an accurate interpretation of test results.
While the severity of the condition differs on a case-by-case basis, there can be a subtle difference in HIV symptoms in women versus men. However, this is often on top of those that are shared, which are often described as flu-like. According to HIV.gov, around two-thirds of patients who develop HIV experience such symptoms that indicate the body is fighting the infection.
When it comes to describing the differences in HIV symptoms between men versus women, there are some indications that can be noticed when a person pays close attention to their body. According to WebMD, these differences affect the reproductive organs and the vagina, with the most common examples including:
As detailed by PlannedParenthood, the vast majority of those who feel any HIV symptoms often do so within the two to four week period after transmission. In the instance that you do, such symptoms last for a few weeks before dying down, but that should not be taken as an indication that it is gone from your system.
While it might not feel like it, HIV will slowly continue to cause damage to your body and make you more susceptible to other diseases over time. According to the Mayo Clinic, HIV left untreated can result in the body developing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS after 8 to 10 years.
In the instances that a person ignores the signs of HIV or does not get it effectively treated, it is most often mistaken for conditions like upper respiratory infections, a bad case of herpes, or other conditions that result in flu-like symptoms. According to WebMD and additional sources, common conditions that often get confused with HIV include:
When it comes to getting the assurance that you do or do not have HIV versus another condition, getting tested after the window period when you suspect a potential infection is crucial. Often, symptoms from HIV last longer than many other conditions. It is similarly imperative that you do not immediately get tested when symptoms arise as a negative test from an HIV test or screening may be a false negative.
Yes, it is possible to test too early for HIV. Such tests detect the presence of antibodies or antigens produced by the immune system in response to the virus, but can vice versa detect none in the time before the infection has a chance to set in.
During the initial stages of infection, known as the acute phase, it takes time for the body to develop detectable levels of these markers. Testing too early during this phase can result in a false negative result, as the test may not be able to detect the HIV infection yet.
No, HIV symptoms typically do not appear as early as 3 days after exposure to the virus. The acute phase of HIV infections, which occurs within 2 to 4 weeks after exposure, is when symptoms may start to manifest in some individuals.
However, the majority of people do not experience noticeable symptoms during this early stage. It's important to remember that symptoms alone cannot be relied upon to diagnose HIV, as they are non-specific and can resemble those of other illnesses, as referenced above. HIV testing is the most reliable way to determine infection status.
HIV tests can provide a high level of accuracy after 2 weeks, but it is important to understand that no test can provide 100% accuracy during that timeframe. The accuracy of HIV tests increases as time progresses after exposure. While there may be some accurate readings, the chance to get a false negative is still high.
After 4 weeks (28 days) following potential exposure to HIV, most modern HIV tests, including antibody-based tests and antigen/antibody combination tests, have a high accuracy rate. These tests can detect the presence of HIV antibodies or antigens with a high degree of reliability.
However, it's important to note that there is still a small possibility of false negatives during this period, particularly if the person is in the early stages of infection.
The time it takes for HIV to be detected by a blood test depends on the type of test used and the individual's immune response to the virus. HIV tests detect the presence of antibodies or antigens produced by the immune system in response to the virus.
However, it's important to note that there is a window period between HIV infection and the development of detectable antibodies or antigens, during which time the test may return false negative results. The window period can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the type of test used.
In the vast majority of cases, it does not take longer than 6 months to test positive for HIV. Modern HIV tests are highly accurate and can typically detect the presence of HIV antibodies or antigens within a few weeks to a few months after infection. The window period, which is the time between HIV infection and when the test can reliably detect the infection, is usually within 3 months (12 weeks).
However, in extremely rare cases, it is possible for individuals with specific medical conditions or compromised immune systems to have delayed seroconversion, where it takes longer for their bodies to produce detectable HIV antibodies. These cases are highly uncommon and are usually associated with severe immunodeficiency.
For the vast majority of individuals, a reliable HIV test at the appropriate window period, which is commonly around 3 months after exposure, can provide accurate results. If there are concerns or unique circumstances, it is always advisable to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance.
English graduate and Call-On-Doc’s medical resource guide, Wayne C. Hahne is an experienced and passionate medical education content expert. Through diligent research, provider interviews and utilizing the industry's leading resources for wellness information, it is Mr. Hahne’s personal mission to educate the general public on medical conditions with in-depth and easy-to-understand written guides.
Facts About Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It primarily spreads through sexual contact and can affect both men and women. Symptoms of gonorrhea can include painful urination, genital discharge, and in some cases, it may cause more serious health complications if left untreated.
Mar 09, 2021 | 2:52 PM
Can you Get Syphilis from Kissing?
Syphilis is one of the most common diseases faced by many throughout the United States. It’s important that we have a quick discussion about its symptoms, how they’re contracted, and the most effective preventive measures available.
Mar 09, 2021 | 10:41 AM
How to Treat a Chlamydia Infection
Chlamydia is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease that can affect far more than just your sexual health. It is a commonly contracted STD. In the U.S. alone, an average of one out of ten young adults, mostly women, is likely to test positive for the infection.
Jan 15, 2022 | 3:08 PM
Facts About Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It primarily spreads through sexual contact and can affect both men and women. Symptoms of gonorrhea can include painful urination, genital discharge, and in some cases, it may cause more serious health complications if left untreated.
Mar 09, 2021 | 2:52 PM
Can you Get Syphilis from Kissing?
Syphilis is one of the most common diseases faced by many throughout the United States. It’s important that we have a quick discussion about its symptoms, how they’re contracted, and the most effective preventive measures available.
Mar 09, 2021 | 10:41 AM
How to Treat a Chlamydia Infection
Chlamydia is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease that can affect far more than just your sexual health. It is a commonly contracted STD. In the U.S. alone, an average of one out of ten young adults, mostly women, is likely to test positive for the infection.
Jan 15, 2022 | 3:08 PM
Feedback from our amazing patients!
"I can’t believe I did not know about this kind of service! This was absolutely perfect for my health concern and they were able to provide me with the necessary medication and with such cinch. Completely recommended this service. For minor health concerns, this can save you an unnecessary and costly trip to an urgent care center."
"Amazing!! Easy and fast! I didn’t have to take my 4 year old into an urgent care where only god knows what germs are there. The doctor sent the script right to my pharmacy within minutes!!!"
"I would give 10 stars if I could! CallonDoc is literally the reason I am recovering instead of suffering as I write this. I was skeptical at first, but I’m not kidding when I tell you I got prescribed my antibiotics and picked it up at the pharmacy within 2 hours. So instead of waiting & paying around 300$...I paid 40$!! I’m very pleased."
Be the first to know when we offer deals.
Want to learn about a specific topic or condition?