Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. It is just overwhelming when you have to wait 6 months [for conclusive HIV results]. Different Internet sites say different things about the window period. thebody.com states 3 months is a conclusive point, others state 8 weeks. In your practice, have you even seen anyone convert past 3 months?
Thank you for your time.
Lisa Capaldini, M.D.
Internal Medicine
You aren't confused, just up to date!
The source of the confusion is this: the older HIV antibody tests DID have a 3 to 6 month window period during which an HIV-infected person might not have made detectable antibodies: hence we recommended testing up to six months post-exposure.
The NEWER antibody tests are typically positive within 4-6 weeks, and with these newer tests the 6 month window is no longer relevent. So to answer your good question, yes, I have seen people go from HIV negative to positive between the 3 to 6 month period with the OLD test- this type of delayed antibody reaction is NOT characteristic of the newer tests in use now, so file the retest at six months is the HIV historical practice bin!
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