Understanding the HIV Window Period | Testing | HIV Basics | HIV/AIDS

Q: What is the HIV window period?

The window period for an HIV test refers to the time between HIV exposure and when a test can detect HIV in your body. The window period depends on the type of HIV test used.

Q: What is the window period for the HIV test I took?

Antibody tests can usually detect HIV 23 to 90 days after exposure. Most rapid tests and self-tests are antibody tests. A rapid antigen/antibody test done with blood from a finger stick can usually detect HIV 18 to 90 days after exposure. An antigen/antibody lab test using blood from a vein can usually detect HIV 18 to 45 days after exposure. A nucleic acid test (NAT) can usually detect HIV 10 to 33 days after exposure. Download and Share If you get an HIV test after a potential HIV exposure and the result is negative, get tested again after the window period for the test you took. Learn more about what a negative test result means.

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What is the HIV window period?

The window period for an HIV test refers to the time between HIV exposure and when a test can detect HIV in your body. The window period depends on the type of HIV test used.

What is the window period for the HIV test I took?

Antibody tests can usually detect HIV 23 to 90 days after exposure. Most rapid tests and self-tests are antibody tests.
A rapid antigen/antibody test done with blood from a finger stick can usually detect HIV 18 to 90 days after exposure.
An antigen/antibody lab test using blood from a vein can usually detect HIV 18 to 45 days after exposure.
A nucleic acid test (NAT) can usually detect HIV 10 to 33 days after exposure.

The window period for various HIV tests varies.

Download and Share

If you get an HIV test after a potential HIV exposure and the result is negative, get tested again after the window period for the test you took. Learn more about what a negative test result means.