HIV and AIDS Forum - Does oral rapid hiv test work ? What's the window period for

i got an oral rapid hiv test, but im afraid i didnt do it properly, can excess saliva (read this somewhere) or anything else that could interfere (smoking) create a false negative? what about certain types of medication? One last thing, can it take longer than 6 months for hiv to be detected with a weaker immune system? is that why a nurse who has been stuck with an infected needle has to be tested every 6 months for 2 years?

thank you your time is greatly appreciated

Replies(1)

Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD

replied on August 8th, 2007

HIV and AIDS Answer A3099

If you suspect having an HIV-infection you can request a BLOOD test rather than a “saliva”-test. If you took part in risky sexual behavior and a blood test for HIV/AIDS was negative you should take another test after 3 months. That is because of the “window” period required during which the body can create antibodies against the virus. HIV/AIDS-tests detect these antibodies. Soon after the infection, tests can be negative even if there is a HIV-infection because the antibodies are not created yet.

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