Can HIV tests be considered conclusive if they show negative results?

Doctor's Answers 2

Thank you for the question. For HIV test, there is a window period, which is the period between the time of exposure to the time the test is able to detect the infection. For 4th generation HIV test, the window peroid is 4 weeks and for 3rd generation HIV test, it is 3 months. So with your 2 tests at 1 and 3 months negative, it is highly unlikely that you have caught an HIV infection.

In recent HIV infection, the presentation can be very non specific, like any viral infection. However, years later, it can present with recurrent infections or unusual infections due to reduced immunity.

From your history, it is highly unlikely that you have HIV, if you have not had subsequent high risk exposure since then.

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Dr Anthony Stanislaus

General Practitioner

Yes. If the HIV tests are done at the appropriate window periods a negative test can be considered conclusive. In your case, a negative 4th gen test at 1 month and a negative 3rd gen test at 3 months are conclusive.

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