Will 3 months get me an accurate result of HIV or should I wait for more?
To get the earliest, most accurate result, first consider when you were exposed and whether you’re showing symptoms. If you know exactly when you may have come into contact with the virus, take a test 3 months after that date. Tests 3 months after exposure should be 99\% accurate.
What happens if my HIV test is negative 3 months later?
If you get an HIV test within 3 months after a potential HIV exposure and the result is negative, get tested again in 3 more months to be sure. If you learned you were HIV-negative the last time you were tested, you can only be sure you’re still negative if you haven’t had a potential HIV exposure since your last test.
How soon after an exposure to HIV can I get tested?
To learn more about the window period and when a person should get retested, see CDC’s How soon after an exposure to HIV can an HIV test if I am infected?. If you get an HIV test within 3 months after a potential HIV exposure and the result is negative, get tested again in 3 more months to be sure.
Is there a table of probabilities of false-negative HIV test results?
The table of probabilities of falsely-negative HIV test results may be useful during pre- and post-test HIV counselling to inform co-decision making regarding the ideal time to test for HIV. Keywords: AIDS; HIV; HIV assays; diagnosis; eclipse period; false-negative; seroconversion; testing; window period.
What happens if I get tested for HIV outside of hospital?
If you are tested outside of a health care setting or lab (such as at a community-based organization, mobile testing van, or elsewhere) you will likely receive a rapid HIV test (oral fluid or finger stick.) If the test comes back negative, and you haven’t had a possible exposure during the previous 3 months, you can be confident you don’t have HIV.