Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. I have been browsing to get a clear picture of how many days is
required for an AIDS virus to develop & what is the right time
for a clinical test before getting any symptoms, say I have had
unprotected sex today when or how many days after should I
test for a clear result?
thanking you
Lisa Capaldini, M.D.
Internal Medicine
The AIDS virus replicates (reproduces itself) very quickly: minutes. But, the tests to detect whether someone has been infected with the virus after exposure take much longer to be accurate.
The standared HIV test, the HIV antibody test is positive within 3-4 weeks of exposure (the older HIV antibody tests took 2-3 months). In situations where someone has symptoms of acute HIV infection (high fever, swollen glands, rash) we use a test to look for the virus itself, the HIV viral load test. This test detects HIV within 2-3 weeks of exposure and is used in cases where people have symptoms of ACUTE HIV infection. In your case, assuming you are feeling well, you should get a HIV antibody test four weeks after your potential exposure.
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Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2004. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
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