When to get tested for confirmed HIV results?
Despite all the advances in HIV testing and widespread awareness about how to test for HIV, HIV still remains a taboo. Advanced treatment with highly effective antiviral drugs has made it possible to live a near normal life with HIV. What is important in successful management of HIV is early detection and prompt initiation of drugs. Methods to detect the number of virus particles present in the blood stream have made it possible to detect the progression of the disease early in the course and also to determine the extent to which the person can be infectious to others.
If you are thinking about getting yourself tested, here is all you need to know about how to test for HIV.
Today there are different types of HIV tests available in India. Each of the different tests vary in their accuracy, window period, time taken for obtaining results and also the cost. The window period of an HIV test is the time lapsed after infection with HIV, beyond which the test may become positive. Having learned that there are many different types of tests, let us go into the details of how to test for HIV.
Most of the times if one has shown risky behaviour in the past and fears having been infected with HIV, anxiety is so much that they would like to know their HIV status as soon as possible. The hassle of waiting for the test reports for a couple of days may be traumatizing. Besides, for purposes such as hospital based screening of a patient in view of a planned surgical procedure may also demand quick reporting tests for HIV. We will go into the details of rapid HIV testing and the scope of the test.
Rapid HIV test
Rapid HIV test is a card test which takes only about few minutes to give you the result. Thus called the rapid card test. It avoids a long and stressful wait for your report. It is the most accessible of the HIV testing methods and is the most commonly used screening test.
The rapid HIV test works by detecting the antibodies formed in your body against the HIV virus. Following an infection with HIV, a persons body takes at least 3-4 weeks to produce antibodies against the virus.Though antibodies do not succeed in eliminating HIV from the body,they are helpful in diagnostic tests.Therefore the rapid HIV test may become positive after 3-4 weeks of infection with HIV in about 90% of the people.It means that the window period of the rapid HIV test is anywhere between 3-4 weeks and within than time 90% of the HIV infected people develop enough antibodies against the virus, so as to be detected by the test.
The accuracy of the Rapid HIV test is comparable to the standard ELISA test. If one tests negative for HIV by rapid card test, no further tests need to be done. If the rapid HIV test results are positive further confirmatory tests may be required.
Now that you know that each test has a window period, You may have on your mind questions such as how soon can HIV be detected by a blood test? There are few tests which make early detection of HIV possible. Read on to know methods of early detection of HIV.
Early detection of HIV
If you have had a recent exposure to HIV and want to get clarity on your HIV infection status at the earliest, there are a few tests which can be done as early as 2 weeks after possible infection.
HIV PCR / NAT
It is a test which can detect HIV infection as early as 9-11 days post exposure. It detects the RNA which is the genetic material of the HIV virus in your blood. The cost of the test is very high. As it is based on detection of the viral genetic material, antibody production in the body against HIV is not necessary before the test becomes positive. It takes about 4-5 days before you can get the result of the test.
Even if the quantity of the virus in your body is small, the test can detect the presence of the virus as it employs a technology wherein the RNA of the virus is multiplied to many folds. Through this method even the viral load in the infected person can be detected.
As the test detects viral RNA and also quantifies it, the test is considered to be highly accurate.
p24 antigen test
It is a method of early HIV detection in which the p24 antigen or protein present in HIV is detected. It can detect HIV infection in about 16 days post exposure on an average. The window period of the P24 antigen test is between 1-8 weeks post infection with HIV and about 95% people infected test positive during that period. It takes about 4-5 days for you to get your report.
The drawback of the test is that the p24 protein levels decline after 5-6 weeks of infection and may not get detected despite being infected with HIV. It means that if 5-6 weeks have passed following infection, the test may give a false negative result.Therefore the test is ideal only for early detection of HIV infection,i.e. within 3-4 weeks of the potential exposure.
It is now clear that the earliest you can take an HIV test following exposure is after 2 weeks.
Standard HIV test/ ELISA test for HIV
The standard test for HIV is ELISA which detects the antibodies against HIV present in the persons blood. It takes atleast 3-4 weeks post infection for antibodies against HIV to develop.
ELISA involves the analysis of the reaction of antibodies present in blood with a HIV antigen containing sample. If the antibodies contained in the blood sample are found to have reacted with HIV antigens,it is a positive reaction. Sometimes it may happen that other nonspecific antibodies present in the blood sample may show a cross reaction with HIV antigen giving rise to a false positive result or a indeterminate result.
The present day ELISA kits have been adapted to detect both HIV-1 and HIV-2 strains of the virus. ELISA kits adapted for differentiating between HIV-1 and HIV-2 have also been developed and are in use currently.The importance of differentiating between the strains lies in the fact that the they behave differently with respect to progression and disease load.
If a person screens positive by rapid HIV test card ,ELISA test has to be performed for further confirmation of the screening test.It takes about 2-3 days to obtain the test results by ELISA method.
3rd generation ELISA
A 3 rd generation ELISA kit detects only antibodies against HIV.
4TH generation ELISA /combination kit /Antigen antibody test
The fourth generation ELISA kit detects both the p24 antigen and the antibody against HIV, in the infected persons blood. It is way more superior to the old 3rd generation ELISA kits. They are successful in detecting HIV infection within 3-4 weeks in most cases. It is costlier than the 3rd generation kits but less costly in comparison to HIV PCR tests.
Having done the above tests can your HIV status be confirmed? No, except for HIV PCR /NAT the tests mentioned above cannot be considered confirmatory test for HIV.You may be interested in what is the confirmatory test for HIV?
If you have tested negative for HIV by rapid card test or ELISA, you do not need any further tests.But testing negative for p24 doesn’t confirm your HIV negative status as the test may not detect the viral protein if it has been more than 5-6 weeks since infection with HIV. p24 antigen test is recommended only for early detection of HIV infection if the exact time of potential exposure is known.
If one tests positive for rapid card test or ELISA,they may need further testing to confirm the positive report. The confirmatory test for HIV is western blot.
Western blot for HIV
It uses electrical fields to separate protein molecules based on their sizes and charges. By this method the HIV specific antibodies are detected. In western blot test antigen antibody reaction is not involved. Hence, the possibility of antibodies against HIV reacting with antigens other than that of HIV and thereby giving a false positive result, is eliminated. False positive given by ELISA can be detected by western blot. Indeterminate results by ELISA also may be confirmed by western blot.
With access to advanced testing methods such as HIV PCR wherein the presence of virus can be confirmed and the viral load also can be quantified, western blot test is becoming obsolete as a confirmatory test.
After having gone through this article,are there are still more queries on your mind regarding how to test for HIV? If so,our HIV testing and counseling team is anytime approachable.
Pre-test counselling:
Our counselors with immense experience in handling HIV related issues will be available to speak to you and provide you with all the details that you require. The privacy and confidentiality of our clients is of utmost importance to us. The counselor will compassionately listen to your concerns and also prepare you psychologically to face the outcome of the test.If during the time of counseling it is known that the potential exposure was very recent, the option of post exposure prophylaxis will also be discussed with you. You will be referred to our experts if you express willingness to take post exposure prophylaxis.
Post exposure prophylaxis in HIV :
Post exposure prophylaxis drugs are given to people following potential exposure to HIV. It is given so as to prevent the development of HIV infection. It needs to be initiated within 72 hours of potential exposure to HIV and needs to be continued for 28 days for maximum effectiveness. It is effective when administered correctly but not 100% effective. So, you cannot be assured of not contracting HIV after post exposure prophylaxis.
Post test counseling:
The counselor will meet you again with your test reports. You will be explained in detail the meaning of the reports and advised on further tests if required. All our clients are treated with respect and compassion irrespective of the outcome of the test. If your results are positive, you will be guided through further confirmatory tests and referred to our medical experts for prompt and timely initiation of treatment. You will be provided psychological support and reviewed at frequent intervals.
Hi sir,
I am sundar… Am a bisexual guy… I did anal sex with my frd (receptive side). After the incidend I am having more fear because it’s my first experience…after took hiv eliza test after 37 days of incident and the result came as negative… Till am having Anxiety…kindly give a better solution
Hi S,
Please do get tested again after 60 days. You will come out negative mostly, next time, take precaution.
Thanks,
Dr. Karthik Gunasekaran.
Good morning Doctor,
I had unprotected insertive vaginal sex for a few seconds, and was really scared after that. I took a fourth generation HIV duo test after 34 days of exposure.
Result was (0.18) non reactive. Am I safe? Please help me, I’m very anxious doctor.
Don’t worry, you are safe. Next time, don’t do it without protection. Every time luck won’t be on our side.
Good afternoon Doctor.
I had unprotected insertive vaginal sex, and was really scared after that. I took a fourth generation HIV DUO test after 34 days of exposure. Result was:
0.18 non reactive.
My question is should I retest after 90 days? Can the result of my test change after 90 days? I’m really anxious to wait for so long! Please give me your valuable advise doctor.
Thank you!
Mostly, you should be good. But in any case, get tested after 90 days. Report will be negative most likely, but it’s better to get tested.
Good afternoon Doctor. I wanted to know if a fourth generation HIV DUO test can be considered accurate and conclusive after 33 days of exposure? Have you personally seen anyone turn positive after a `Negative fourth generation duo test after 5 weeks´. I have read so many articles, but your valuable knowledge and experience will be trustworthy.
Awaiting your response doctor, thank you so much.
Too much of anxiety. I think I answered your question. Relax.
Good evening doctor, I had unprotected vaginal sex 30 days back. If I do fourth generation HIV DUO test now to check whether I have been infected, will the result be accurate? Waiting for your response.
Thank you in advance. I am getting very anxious. Also, does circumcision reduce the risk of hiv transmission?
Rajesh, in many cases, by 30days the person will run a fever. You can get tested now but most accurate will be the test done after 90 days.
Don’t stress yourself, get tested and if the result is negative, you should be good.
Hello doctor, myself Sharath. I had unprotected vaginal sex, and after two days I got a sore throat, no fever. I was worried and waited for 34 days and did fourth generation HIV DUO test from metropolis to check if I got HIV. Result was non reactive. Am I safe doctor? It’s causing me a lot of stress.
You will need to get tested after 90 days. 99% you should be fine.
Hi doctor, I have too much anxiety thinking about hiv. I had unprotected sex for barely a minute with a girl.
I did fourth generation test after 35 days, result was non reactive. The clinician there told me it’s not accurate till 90 days. Now I’m getting very tensed sir. Can my result change after 90 days? Please reply doctor. Thanks I’m advance.
Chances are less but not 0. Mostly you will be fine. Don’t worry.
Next time, use a condom. But you have to get tested after 90 days.
Good evening doctor,
I had unprotected vaginal sex 3 months back. I was waiting for the window period to get over and did the HIV DUO fourth generation test now. Result was non reactive 0.22. Is this conclusive since it has been 3 months now since exposure? Or should I retest after 6 months?
Thank you in advance,
Kind regards.
Should be good. Don’t worry.
Next time, use protection.
Hi doctor,
I had unprotected sex with a girl about 4 months back. I want to get tested for all STD’s including HIV. Can you please tell me the name of the test that I should do? Is it a STD panel test? I stay in Chennai.
Thank you Doctor!
Yea, You can mention STD panel test or test for all possible STDs.
Before that, you meet the doctor, he/she will be the right person to tell you after knowing who is the other person you had sex with.
Hi doctor,
I have too much anxiety thinking about hiv.
. I had protected vaginal sex on 21st, 22nd and 29th June 2021
I’m getting very tensed sir. Please reply doctor. Thanks I’m advance.
If you have used a condom every time and if it didn’t tear, you are good. Don’t worry.
Hello doctor… June 14 th … I was sex with a sexual work lady… Before a sex I weard condom to vaginal sex … I worried to much may cause HIV… I don’t sex with oraly…
After 12 days I check with… Vdrl and HIV 1 AND HIV 2 antibody test for rapid card… That is negative… Some people said 90 days to check… I’m using condom sir…I’m What I do sir … I’m too much worried about this… Tell me a clear sollution sir please
You are good, don’t worry too much. When you worry too much, it puts stress in your brain.
Natural tendency of people is to go to google for every damn thing. When you read about the symptoms, the stress will show all the symptoms in your body after 2 or 3 days and you will get more stressed.
Don’t worry, you should be fine.
Correct sir
Sir June 14 th I was sex with sexual Works lady… Before sex I’m using condom … Is it safe?? And I worried too much … Can I have to take any further test … Or is it I am safe ? So please tell the clear solution doctor
If you used a condom and if it didn’t break, you are safe. Don’t worry.
Sir Iam not hard too make sex… So just 2 min with sex…its not possible to break the condom sir… And I no use to a long time sex… Just 2 min… So I am safe ah sir…
Can I have to any other test sir
Good evening sir,
I went to test for HIV ( Fourth generation test) after I finished my workout in the gym. Would this affect the outcome of my report? I tested after 100 days, and got non reactive 0.22.
Please advise. Thank you in advance.
Your workout doesn’t affect your report. Get it done anytime.
Hello doctor… June 21st ,22nd and 29th… I was sex with a sexual work lady… Before a sex I weard condom to vaginal sex … I worried to much may cause HIV…I’m using condom sir…I’m What I do sir … I’m too much worried about this… Tell me a clear Sollution sir please
Hello doctor… June 21st ,22nd and 29th… I was sex with a sexual work lady… Before a sex I weared condom to vaginal sex … I worried to much may cause HIV…I’m using condom sir…I’m What I do sir … I’m too much worried about this… and Can I have to take any further test … Or is it I am safe ? So please tell the clear solution doctor.
Good evening Doctor,
I had unprotected vaginal sex with a girl 4 months back. Today, I tested for hiv using HIV DUO, and the result was 0.22 non reactive. Should I test for other stds? I do not have any symptoms as of yet. Its been 4 months now. Please advise doctor,
Regards,
Shyam
Herpes and HPV are two other tests you need to get done.
Thank you for your reply doctor. Should I also test for hepatitis? I have not had any symptoms since the last exposure that was 4 months ago.
Good evening Doctor,
I had unprotected vaginal sex with a girl 4 months back. Today, I tested for hiv using HIV DUO, and the result was 0.22 non reactive. Should I test for HEPATITIS? I have no symptoms, it’s been 4 months now. Or should I test for any other std?
Regards,
Shyam
You should be alright, don’t worry.
Hello doctor, i had sex on yesterday with transgender sex, no oral & no anal and i used condom. Now i stressed too much, fear of HIV .
What should i do now.
If you used a condom and if it didn’t tear, you are most likely safe. don’t worry.
Dear sir, thanks for your reply. Now 7days gone. Now am having slight head ache & fever symptoms , neck muscle also paining in back side. Its because of the rain here or seriously its effect of HIV.
Please help.
Sir I’m using condom before sex ..But I’m anxiety.after 87 days I tested for rapid card test negative.this test enough ah sir. I am safe sir
Yea, you are safe. don’t worry.
Hi doctor. What is the window period for the hepatitis C Antibody test? I got myself tested after 4 months of unprotected exposure, and result was non reactive. Am I safe?
You should be good, don’t worry. Window period is around 3 months.
Dear sir, thanks for your reply. Now 7days gone. Now am having slight head ache & fever symptoms , neck muscle also paining in back side. Its because of the rain here or seriously its effect of HIV.
Please help.
Sir before sex I’m using condom… But some anxiety from about my side… I don’t use any oral sex…
Now after 36th day sample given healthian lab… They test for ( rapid immuno chromatography )… It’s non reactive … Can I take fourth generation test … Or it’s enough ah sir
not necessary, relax.
Hello Doctor.
Do syphilis causes false positive HIV ? Have you come across any cases , doctor?
less likely. No, i haven’t come across such report.
Hello Dr,
What are the bands should one get in HIV western blot in order to consider it as Positive?
Awaiting for your reply Doctor.
Thank you.
p24, gp 120/160 or gp 41 – any two.