Contents:
- Medical Video: What is the maximum window period for HIV test in India? - Dr. Ramakrishna Prasad
- What is the window of HIV?
- The duration of the HIV window according to the tests performed
- 1. Fast antibody test (rapid antibody test)
- 2. Antigen combination test
- 3. RNA test
- 4. PCR Test (polymerase chain reaction)
Medical Video: What is the maximum window period for HIV test in India? - Dr. Ramakrishna Prasad
When contracting the HIV virus, the body does not respond immediately by giving rise to symptoms of HIV just like that. There is a certain time span needed by the HIV virus to eventually stimulate the formation of antibodies in the blood and begin to infect the body. This period is known as the window period. So, what is the window of HIV and how long does this period last? Here's the full explanation.
What is the window of HIV?
The window of HIV is the time span needed by the HIV virus from the beginning of transmission to the appearance of body antibodies that can be detected by certain HIV tests. Usually, the window of HIV lasts for 10 days to 3 months. But this actually depends on the condition of the resilience of each person's body and the type of HIV testing taken.
When the HIV virus starts to enter the blood, the body will not be immediately infected. Instead, the virus will develop slowly. Now, when your immune system knows if there is a dangerous virus coming in, naturally the body will release antibodies that are relied upon to attack HIV.
But indeed the antibodies will not be directly produced by the body when the HIV virus enters. This is why, sometimes the first HIV test gives a negative result, even though you have been infected and are positive for HIV.
If the results of an HIV test are negative, then it's best repeat HIV testing three months later to confirm whether you are infected with HIV or not. Because, someone who is in the window of HIV can even transmit the virus to other people around him even though the initial test shows negative test results.
If you feel exposed to HIV after doing risky things such as having unprotected sex or contacting syringes or the blood of someone with HIV, then you should immediately ask a team of counselors or doctors to provide PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).
PEP should be done as soon as possible, at least 72 hours of possible exposure to early detection of the possibility of exposure to the HIV virus.
The duration of the HIV window according to the tests performed
The window period for each person depends on the type of HIV test you are undergoing. Here is a complete explanation of the length of the window period for each of the HIV tests:
1. Fast antibody test (rapid antibody test)
Antibody tests quickly produce positive results based on the level of the body's antibodies to HIV, not based on the HIV virus itself. Your body takes three months to produce HIV antibodies that this test can detect. About 98 percent of people have enough antibodies to produce positive HIV testing in that window period.
2. Antigen combination test
Combined tests or fourth generation tests are performed to detect p24 type HIV antibodies or antigens. The p24 antigen can be detected earlier than HIV antibodies. The window period on combination tests tends to be faster than other types of HIV tests, namely:
- 12 to 26 days after HIV infection, a combination test can detect p24 antigen in the body.
- 20 to 45 days after HIV infection, combination tests can detect HIV antibodies.
3. RNA test
The RNA test shows positive results based on the presence of the HIV virus. This test can detect the HIV virus around 10 to 14 days from the beginning of the HIV virus infection in the body. Compared to antibody tests, RNA tests tend to be more expensive so not all health services provide RNA tests.
4. PCR Test (polymerase chain reaction)
The PCR test is used to measure viral load and detect the HIV virus in the body. This test is usually used to test HIV in babies born to HIV-positive mothers. The window period required for the PCR test is 2 to 3 weeks from the start of HIV infection.
