I often hear people ask when they should be HIV tested. They realize that an exposure to HIV requires an HIV test, but how long after the exposure should HIV testing occur? And is one HIV test enough to rule out an HIV infection.
How is HIV Infection Diagnosed?
Understanding the Immune Response
Most people will develop detectable antibodies within two to eight weeks (the average is 25 days). Ninety seven percent will develop antibodies in the first three months following the time of their infection. In very rare cases, it can take up to six months to develop antibodies to HIV. Because antibodies do develop at different rates, HIV testing experts recommend HIV testing at 6 weeks after exposure, 3 months after exposure and even some recommend a test 6 months after exposure.
Information provided by The Centers for Disease Control, 2004.
