How are HIV 1 and HIV 2 tests conclusive after 88 days of exposure?

 Your statement is mostly accurate, but with some important nuances to consider:

Most commonly used HIV tests are conclusive after 12 weeks (84 days) of exposure, not 88 days. These tests are called 4th generation antigen/antibody tests. They can detect both HIV-1 and HIV-2 with high accuracy after this period.

However, some factors can influence the exact timing:

• Type of test: There are less common HIV tests, such as RNA PCR, that can detect HIV earlier, sometimes as early as 10 days after exposure. However, these tests are more expensive and not routinely used for initial screening.
• Individual variation: While 12 weeks is the standard window period, the time it takes for the body to produce detectable levels of HIV varies slightly from person to person. In rare cases, it can take up to 3 months (90 days) for a conclusive result.

Therefore, while an HIV test at 88 days has a very high chance of being conclusive, it's best to wait the full 12 weeks for absolute certainty. This is especially important if you have additional factors that increase your risk of HIV, such as recent high-risk exposure or weakened immune system.