Just a general question.... How soon can you be tested for hiv after unprotected sex?
Anyone know? thankx
Hi Cassidy.
The window period for HIV use to be 6 months but with current testing this has been reduced to 3 months.
This means that it can take up to 3 months for a HIV test to show positive. It is always a good idea to get a HIV test at least 3 months after a risk to know for sure but the current tests pick up most people well before the 3 months.
If you get tested at any clinic in BC the current HIV test has an average window period of 3-4 weeks.
At our Vancouver STI clinics we currently have a new HIV test for men as part of a study. It is 90% accurate by 10 days after exposure.
Here is a link to the Vancouver clinics.
http://healthnurse.wordpress.com/faq...ons/vancouver/
Cassidy it sounds like your friend is really worried. Depending on the last time he had sex with his partner he may benefit from the test in Vancouver with the shorter window period.
When things like this happen peoples minds usually go straight to the HIV risk. Your friend probably has a bigger risk from infections like chlamydia. Just make sure he gets a full check up when he gets tested.
Here is a link on what tests we recommend.
http://healthnurse.wordpress.com/faq-about-sexual-health/3-getting-tested/
HN
www.healthnurse.wordpress.com
www.stiresource.com
www.bccdc.ca
