How long does it take for HIV test to become positive?

[kkmalaysia]

A member from this forum asked me via personal message if he can be tested positive for HIV 1 day after unprotected sex.

Below is my answer:

Hi there,

It is impossible to find out if you are infected with HIV 1 day after sex!

The test done by the laboratory for HIV is actually detecting the antibody against HIV virus in our body.

After exposure, every individual responds differently which means the time taken for the anti-HIV antibody to appear differs. The time between exposure and formation of antibody is known as window period. The window period for HIV is usually within 2 weeks but some individuals' are up to 6 months!

If you are worried, I advise you to have your blood checked for HIV 2 weeks after exposure if negative, repeat again after 6 months.

I hope this thread helps.  

[Peter]

Other than antibiotic test, you can directly test the virus. It is RNA test, which detects the HIV virus directly. The time between HIV infection and RNA detection is 9-11 days. These tests, which are more costly and used less often than antibody tests, are used in some parts of the United States.

[linjo]

No you cant know whether the HIV test is positive just after one day of sex!But i can tell you that chances for HIV is just 1% through saliva