HOW LONG AFTER A POSSIBLE EXPOSURE SHOULD I BE TESTED FOR HIV?

If you think you have been exposed to HIV, find a place to get a free, confidential HIV test right away. It may be appropriate for you to start medication immediately. This what’s called post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP (Learn more about PEP). Starting PEP within 72 hours of an HIV exposure can prevent you from becoming HIV-positive (also known as seroconverting). Starting PEP as soon as possible after exposure is best. A trained test counselor will help assess your risk and recommend whether or not PEP is right for you.

The time it takes for a person who has been infected with HIV to show a positive test result is called the “window period.” There are different types of HIV tests, and each type has a different window period. Ask your local HIV organization or medical provider what type of test they are offering. They will be able to give you more information about how long it might take for a person with HIV to test positive with the test they are using.

If you think you have been exposed to HIV, get tested and talk to your HIV counselor about testing and PEP. You can also access HIV testing and PEP at most hospital emergency departments.

What does this mean for you?

Any time that you have reason to think you’ve been directly exposed to HIV, you should consult with your doctor or a trained HIV test counselor as soon as possible. The sooner you address the possibility, the better for you and your future sexual partners.

If you test negative on an HIV RNA test after two weeks of possibly being exposed, you are very likely HIV-negative.

If you test negative on a fourth generation HIV test or lab assay that detects HIV antigens (part of the HIV virus) in addition to antibodies after three or four weeks after possibly being infected, you are very likely HIV-negative.

If you test negative on an antibody test taken three months or longer after your last possible risk of possible exposure to HIV, you are likely HIV-negative.

The person who gives you your HIV test will have additional information about the window period.

For this reason, we recommend that people who are having sex get tested every three months. Routine testing is painless and ensures that if you do get infected, you can start treatment right away.