Ask an expert
Search expert health advice:
Browse by expert
- ADHD Expert
- Allergy expert
- Anti-ageing expert
- Asthma Expert
- Arthritis expert
- Breast cancer expert
- Cancer expert
- Cough Expert
- CyberDoc
- CyberShrink
- Oral health expert
- Depression expert
- Diabetes expert
- EnviroHealth expert
- Family law expert
- Fertility expert
- Flu expert
- GynaeDoc
- Headache expert
- Healthy Bones
Time lapse before testing for HIV/AIDS infection
What is the earliest one can be accurately tested for possible HIV infection? Can a GP do it, or where else does one go for confidentiality? What is the cost please?
Zoë, soon after the virus enters the body, the body recognises the virus and tries to kill it by producing antibodies. This may take up to 6 weeks – 6 months after the infection. This is the time where the ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and Western blot tests are negative and is called the window period. During this time the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test will be able to tell if you have been infected by detecting viral nucleic acid. By the way, the ELISA and Western blot tests are >99.9% accurate.
You can have your blood taken at any doctor, clinic or laboratory and all of them will keep your results confidential (you can sue them if they don’t). It will cost no more than R200 if you have it done privately (it’s free at state clinics as far as I know). Good luck.
You can have your blood taken at any doctor, clinic or laboratory and all of them will keep your results confidential (you can sue them if they don’t). It will cost no more than R200 if you have it done privately (it’s free at state clinics as far as I know). Good luck.
The information provided does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition. You should consult a medical practitioner or other appropriate health care professional for a physical examination, diagnosis and formal advice. Health24 and the expert accept no responsibility or liability for any damage or personal harm you may suffer resulting from making use of this content.