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Q: I didn't have any sexual intercourse within the last 6 months. Is one test is
enough for me to be sure of my HIV status or I have to do it twice or more?
Thank you in advance.
Solomon

A: The answer is yes. One test is enough. Antibody tests may give false negative
results during the window period, an interval of three weeks to six months between
the time of HIV infection and the production of measurable antibodies to HIV
seroconversion. Most people develop detectable antibodies approximately 30 days
after infection, although some seroconvert later. The vast majority of people (99%)
have detectable antibodies by three months after HIV infection; a six-month window
is extremely rare with modern antibody testing. During the window period, an
infected person can transmit HIV to others although their HIV infection may not be
detectable with an antibody test. Antiretroviral therapy during the window period can
delay the formation of antibodies and extend the window period beyond 12 months.
Antibody tests may also yield false negative results in patients with X-linked
agammaglobulinemia a disease not common in Ethiopia; other diagnostic tests
should be used in such patients.
Three instances of delayed HIV seroconversion occurring in health-care workers
have been reported; in these instances, the health-care workers tested negative for
HIV antibodies greater than 6 months postexposure but were seropositive within 12
months after the exposure. DNA sequencing confirmed the source of infection in
one instance. Two of the delayed seroconversions were associated with
simultaneous exposure to hepatitis C virus (HCV). In one case, co-infection was
associated with a rapidly fatal HCV disease course; however, it is not known
whether HCV directly influences the risk for or course of HIV infection or is a marker
for other exposure-related factors.

Thank you
Dr. Yared

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