Window Period for HIV+ Sero Conversion????

[Savittre]

I read the Stickman Weekly of Sept. 2, and reference was made to the 'well known window period for HIV+ sero-conversion.'

I've never heard of this before!! Would someone kindly give me a few details? This is much appreciated!! TIA

[iuytrede]

After infection with HIV it takes up to 6 months until seroconversion, i.e. until HIV-antibodies are found.

During these 6 months the infected person will test as HIV-negative even if he/she carries the virus and can infect other people.

Hence the widespread recommendation to have an HIV-test follwed by 6 months of monogamy and a second HIV-test.

[Guest]

according to the cdc website , the average hiv exposure will test positive in 25 days, 90% in three months, 99.5% in 6 months-

[Savittre]

Thanks for the info, gents. It's grim!!

[los]

Last time I was at the local clinic,The local criminals arrested the night before were having HIV tests that morning. The ones that come up positive were seperated from the negative prisoners when admitted to the jail. With a 6 month window, this system would not work too well. Can anyone explain the reasoning behind this?

[Guest]

quote:

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Originally posted by land o' scams:

With a 6 month window, this system would not work too well. Can anyone explain the reasoning behind this?

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Same reason as anybody else would do the test. It's better than NOT taking it at all, isn't it?

regards

[stumpy]

A test at 3 months is 95% accurate at 6 months it's 99%.

There is a case of a french woman testing positive after I believe 18 months after infection. There are some who dispute this.

My advice would be test at 3 months and be happy. Go again at 6months and if negative then forget about it because it really is negative.