An HIV test after eight weeks is highly accurate, but not necessarily 100% accurate.
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Here's what you need to know:
- The window period: This is the time between getting infected with HIV and when a test can reliably detect it. Most commonly used HIV tests, like 4th generation antibody/antigen (Ab/Ag) tests, can detect 99% of infections by 45 days (around 6.4 weeks). By 8 weeks (56 days), the accuracy is almost 100%.
- Factors affecting accuracy: While rare, factors like individual immune response or specific test types can influence accuracy.
- Negative result: If your test after 8 weeks is negative, you can be very confident about your HIV status. However, if you had a potential risk of infection within the last 3 months, it's recommended to get another test at 3 months after the possible exposure for absolute certainty.
- Positive result: A positive test at 8 weeks is highly likely to be accurate, but confirmation with additional tests is still recommended.
Here are some resources where you can get more information and confidential testing:
- Test.HIV: [https://www.test.hiv/]
- National HIV/AIDS Hotline: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)
- HIV.gov: [https://www.hiv.gov/]
Remember, getting tested is the only way to know your HIV status.
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