What's the specific window period for different types of HIV tests?

There's a period of time after a person is infected during which they won't test positive. This is called the hiv
window period.
The window period can be from 9 days to 3 months, depending on the person's body and on the HIV test that's
used. During that time, you can test HIV negative even though you're HIV positive. You can still catch HIV from
someone who is in the window period. In fact, there is evidence that a person in the window period is more
likely to pass the virus on.
If you've had high-risk exposure to HIV within the last few days, you should ask your test counselor about PEP
- Post Exposure Prophylaxis
There's a period of time after a person is infected during which they won't test positive. This is called the hiv
window period.
The window period can be from 9 days to 3 months, depending on the person's body and on the HIV test that's
used. During that time, you can test HIV negative even though you're HIV positive. You can still catch HIV from
someone who is in the window period. In fact, there is evidence that a person in the window period is more
likely to pass the virus on.
If you've had high-risk exposure to HIV within the last few days, you should ask your test counselor about PEP
- Post Exposure Prophylaxis (learn more about PEP).
Antibody tests ("Rapid" tests) give a positive result based on antibodies to HIV, not the virus itself. It
takes your body up to 3 months to produce these antibodies at levels that can be detected by this test.

4-6 weeks (up to 3 months) after infection, most people will have enough antibodies to test positive

12 weeks (3 months) after infection, about 98% of people will have enough antibodies to test positive.

RNA tests show a positive result based on the presence of the virus. These tests are more expensive than
anitbody tests, so are not offered in as many places.

9-14 days after infection, there will be enough viral material for a positive result.

Home testing kits As of Fall 2012, there are two "home tests" which have been approved by the FDA for
use in the U.S.:

OraQuick by OraSure is an antibody test that you complete at home, usually conducted using oral
fluid. According to the manufacturer, the window period is 3 months.

Home Access HIV-1 by Home Access Health Corp is not actually a test, but a sample-collection kit.
You use it to collect a blood sample which you then mail to a lab for processing.

PCR tests (Polymerase chain reaction tests) also test for the actual virus. This type of test is often used
for testing the viral load of HIV-positive people, as well as testing babies born to HIV-positive mothers. You can
read more about PCR tests on the AIDS.gov website.

2-3 weeks after infection, there will be enough viral material for a positive result

Antibody tests ("Rapid" tests) give a positive result based on antibodies to HIV, not the virus itself. It
takes your body up to 3 months to produce these antibodies at levels that can be detected by this test.

4-6 weeks (up to 3 months) after infection, most people will have enough antibodies to test positive

12 weeks (3 months) after infection, about 98% of people will have enough antibodies to test positive.

RNA tests show a positive result based on the presence of the virus. These tests are more expensive than
anitbody tests, so are not offered in as many places.

9-14 days after infection, there will be enough viral material for a positive result.

Home testing kits As of Fall 2012, there are two "home tests" which have been approved by the FDA for
use in the U.S.:

OraQuick by OraSure is an antibody test that you complete at home, usually conducted using oral
fluid. According to the manufacturer, the window period is 3 months.

Home Access HIV-1 by Home Access Health Corp is not actually a test, but a sample-collection kit.
You use it to collect a blood sample which you then mail to a lab for processing.

PCR tests (Polymerase chain reaction tests) also test for the actual virus. This type of test is often used
for testing the viral load of HIV-positive people, as well as testing babies born to HIV-positive mothers. You can
read more about PCR tests on the AIDS.gov website.

2-3 weeks after infection, there will be enough viral material for a positive result