HIV and AIDS Forum - Sensitivity of HIV tests

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Q: Sensitivity of HIV tests

asked by: DoctorQuestion on December 30th, 2008

Recently I was diagnosed with HIV. My question is why did it actually take my body 6 months to produce detectable antibodies? I had a test done 6 weeks and 3 months after my last possible exposure and they came back negative. Every doctor I ask can't give me a straight answer. In fact most of them just say well sometimes it takes that long for the body to produce antibodies but that's not my question. My question is why does it take 6 months for you body to produce detectable HIV antibodies? Isn't that a very bad thing? It's been over 6 months now and these tests just decided to to their job, this is an outrage. It shouldn't take that long for anything ever! Please can anyone help me?

Replies(1)

Dr. Goce Aleksovski , MD

replied on January 1st, 2009

HIV and AIDS Answer A5218

The tests that detect the HIV antibodies are sensitive only if a certain quantity and concentration of the antibodies was achieved. The immune system of every person has unique strength. It also varies in different health conditions. These facts determine the speed at which the antigens will be recognized and the antibodies will be produced. The scientists still do not have sufficient data about all the factors that influence the strength of the immune system.

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