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When to Test for AIDS After Exposure

Most HIV tests that are readily available in the United States rely on seroconversion, which means developing a detectable level of antibodies (in this case, to HIV). Because there is no way of knowing how long it will take any given individual to seroconvert, a rough time line should be considered when trying to determine when to be tested for HIV.

  1. Seroconversion

    • HIV tests that screen for antibodies are only reliable if an individual has already seroconverted. If an individual has been infected with HIV but has not yet developed a detectable level of antibodies, an HIV test will yield a false negative. For this reason, HIV tests performed within one month after exposure are highly unlikely to be accurate. The average person seroconverts at about 25 days after infection according to the AIDS Education & Training Centers National Resource Center (AIDSETC).

    Three to Six Months

    • Although seroconversion generally occurs within one month after infection, it can take as long as three to six months for some people to seroconvert. It's wise to test early, but if you test negative for HIV after one month, you should be tested again three to six months later. Confirm that the first test did not yield a false negative.

    RNA Tests

    • HIV tests that check for the presence of viral RNA instead of antibodies can detect HIV infection long before other tests, between two and three weeks after infection according to Avert (AVERTing HIV and AIDS). However, these tests are more expensive and more difficult to perform than antibody tests and are less widely available.

    Regular Screening

    • All sexually active people should be regularly screened for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STD). It is generally recommended that one be tested for HIV once every six months.

      Planned Parenthood reports that the cost of HIV screening varies based on where you live. HIVTest.org can help individuals find a testing center in their area; this site also provides information about which tests are available at that site and whether free testing is available.

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