Module 8: Preparation for Test Results
Completion requirements
Module 8: Preparation for Test Results
Module 8: Preparation for Test Results , Screen 5 of 10
HIV Antibodies and the Window Period
Ingrid: Here’s something really important: If the test finds antibodies, that person very likely has HIV.
If the test doesn’t find antibodies, it means either that person doesn’t have HIV or that it just hasn’t been long enough since the person got infected for those antibodies to have accumulated enough to show up.
Laurie: Wait a second. Does that mean my boyfriend could have HIV even though he tested negative?
Ingrid: That’s true.
Laurie: Really?
Ingrid: That’s the important part: Just because he tested negative last week doesn’t mean he doesn’t have HIV. Or that you don’t. This is a lot to hear. How do you feel about this?
Laurie: Like I need to call my boyfriend right now. If this test can’t find the antibodies, then what’s the point?
Ingrid: The test is actually really good at finding antibodies. If someone has HIV, then the antibodies will eventually show up on a test. They may show up as early as two weeks after someone gets infected, but people often take longer to develop detectable antibodies. Many people with HIV show the antibodies at the end of three months. The longest it would take is six months.
Laurie: I think I follow you, but I’m not sure.
HIV Antibodies and the Window Period
Ingrid: Here’s something really important: If the test finds antibodies, that person very likely has HIV.
If the test doesn’t find antibodies, it means either that person doesn’t have HIV or that it just hasn’t been long enough since the person got infected for those antibodies to have accumulated enough to show up.
Laurie: Wait a second. Does that mean my boyfriend could have HIV even though he tested negative?
Ingrid: That’s true.
Laurie: Really?
Ingrid: That’s the important part: Just because he tested negative last week doesn’t mean he doesn’t have HIV. Or that you don’t. This is a lot to hear. How do you feel about this?
Laurie: Like I need to call my boyfriend right now. If this test can’t find the antibodies, then what’s the point?
Ingrid: The test is actually really good at finding antibodies. If someone has HIV, then the antibodies will eventually show up on a test. They may show up as early as two weeks after someone gets infected, but people often take longer to develop detectable antibodies. Many people with HIV show the antibodies at the end of three months. The longest it would take is six months.
Laurie: I think I follow you, but I’m not sure.