How Long Can You Have Hiv and Not Know It

HIV manual and testing FAQ

i-Base factsheet

The i-Base Q&A resource is mainly for questions about HIV treatment. Information technology is a service for people living with HIV. Or their partners, family or friends.

i-Base of operations does not have the resource to reply thousands of questions almost HIV risks. Or thousands of questions about HIV testing.

Nosotros do care – so we have posted everything online.

Your question will be covered past the FAQs beneath. Boosted links are included for farther data.

ane. See the FAQ info beneath.

2. Run into previous questions in these categrories.

• Communicable HIV
• HIV tests and testing

3. See this guide. Lots of info nigh different risks and how yous tin look afterwards your wellness.

• Guide to HIV testing and risks of sexual manual.

Practice I have HIV?

The simply way for you to know this is to take an HIV examination. Although websites tin can include information about different levels of risk, no website can answer whether or not y'all have HIV.

Information about different types of HIV tests.

This page includes information on how long you need to wait before you test. It expalins how this depends on the blazon of test you lot use.

What is my adventure for having defenseless HIV?

We go many questions about different risks and the likelihood of having caught HIV.

HIV is mainly transmitted sexually and by sharing drug-using equipment. HIV is infectious in blood, semen, vaginal fluid and breastmilk. However, these fluids practice non remain infectious for very long outside the body. Most studies suggests that within a minute or 2 HIV is no longer infectious in these fluids.

HIV is non transmitted past everyday contact or from contact with objects that an HIV-positive person has touched. HIV is not transmitted by saliva, sweat, spit, urine or faeces. Tears may contain HIV but this is unlikely to be a practical route of transmission.

HIV is not transmitted by deep-kissing, or from body rubbing or contact with infectious fluid on skin. HIV is non spread by air or past insects.

You tin catch HIV past having sex without a condom – if you are non taking PrEP or the positive person is not on handling (see Handling as Prevention).

If you take had sex without a safe with someone who might be HIV positive, then this is a risk for HIV. However, one single time, this risk is likely to exist very low. For case, depending on the type of sexual practice this might exist as depression as from 1 in 100 to 1 in 500.

If the HIV positive person is on constructive treatment, this risk is zero.

If the HIV negative person is taking PrEP, this gamble it likely to exist finer null.

The highest adventure is if someone doesn't know they are HIV positive. For example, if this was a recent infection. In early infection, viral load can be very high. This brand a person more infectious.

Information about how HIV is transmitted from AVERT.

Learn about HIV transmission from the above web link.

• If y'all think you lot may take HIV, delight speak to a md. If you have been at risk have an HIV test. These should exist free in every state.
• i-Base does non answer questions on individual chance of catching HIV.
• Testing is like shooting fish in a barrel and cheap or gratis. If you lot are worried, so similar millions of other people, take a test.

What almost PEP?

PEP is a grade of HIV drugs taken to prevent infection. It needs to be started soon later any risk. Ideally within 60 minutes and not afterwards than 2-3 days (72 hours maximum).

PEP stands for postal service exposure prophylaxis. PEP involves taking HIV medicines for a month.

After the last dose of PEP, you need to look 4-6 weeks before yous examination. In the Great britain this is vi weeks. If you test earlier, so you demand to confirm the results 8-12 weeks later.

Run into: more than information virtually PEP.

Will PEP work as PrEP?

PrEP is a different to protect against HIV. Information technology involves taken HIV meds earlier and after sex.

Currently PrEP is a combination of two HIV meds in one pill. This is usually tenofovir (TD or TAF) plus emtricitabine (FTC). PrEP is either taken every bit a single pill every 24-hour interval (by cis women and trans men and women) or as needed (by cis men).

Technically, if your PEP includes TD/FTC if will work as daily PrEP for everyone for the middle two weeks. For cis men, TD/FTC will work as PrEP from about day iv to nigh day 26.

Long-acting formulations of PrEP are in development that use injections or oral pills.

These include cabotegravir injections, a monthly pill with islatravir, and an annual implant (with islatravir).

More information on PrEP.

UK guide to PrEP.

Will I exist positive if I slept with an HIV positive person without a condom?

HIV is a difficult virus to take hold of sexually.

Fifty-fifty if your partner is HIV positive and yous did not employ a condom, the run a risk is unremarkably less than 1 in 100 (less than ane%). This might be less than 1 in 500.

However, it only takes one exposure to catch HIV. This ways that luck and other factors are involved.

So out of thousands of people who accept a run a risk of catching HIV, some volition go positive. For some people this might exist from their first risky exposure.

HIV is therefore by and large a low run a risk event, only with potentially serious outcomes. Taking an HIV testing to know your HIV status is a good idea.

Guide to HIV transmission and testing.

What is the risk if the HIV positive person is on treatment?

HIV treatment dramatically reduces the chance of HIV transmission.

If the HIV positive person has an undetectable viral load on treatment (less than fifty copies/mL) this becomes zero.

Viral load and adventure of manual.

The PARTNER1 study reported Nada HIV transmission after more than 58,000 times when HIV positive people with undetectable viral load had sex WITHOUT using condoms. The PARTNER2 report reported Null transmission in gay couples after approximately 77,000 times that gay couple had sex without condoms.

Q & A on the partner study.

Practise I demand to take an HIV test?

The just way you can know your HIV condition by taking an HIV test. In the UK, i in 5 people (20%) who are HIV positive do not know their HIV condition. In other countries this can be even college.

Even if your exposure take chances was low, you tin can simply know whether you are HIV positive or HIV negative by taking a examination.

An HIV test should be a routine part of looking after your sexual health. Repeating the test every 6-12 months is important in case you lot are exposed to HIV in the future. Some people are advised to test more frequently.

Information nigh different types of HIV tests.

Do I need to take a exam if my partner just tested negative?

You can not use your partners test results to interpret your HIV condition.

You lot tin merely know if you have HIV by taking your own test.

You could be HIV-positive and your partner has merely been lucky and then far. Y'all need to know your status to protect your partner in the future.

If your partner has just tested HIV positive, you could still be HIV negative, fifty-fifty if you have had unprotected sexual activity. You need your own exam results.

Can I inquire another person to examination?

No. This is almost your sexual wellness. It is your responsibility to exam.

You have no correct to impose your worries about your health on some other person.

Only your status is important now. This involves taking responsibility for your ain wellness.

When can I take a examination?

How soon you test depends on your risk and which examination you tin can use. Encounter the link higher up.

In 2020 U.k. guidelines changed. They now say that 4th generation HIV tests (antigen/antibody) volition detect 99% of infections afterward six weeks. This is good enough to not need a 2d test.

Previous guidelines used to say 95% of cases will be picked upward by 4 weeks. A negative test at 4 weeks needs to exist checked with a second examination two months afterwards. This is to pick upward the v% of people who have longer to generate an allowed response.

In high hazard exposures, particularly if symptoms occur, and then viral load testing is sometimes used after a calendar week. This is for needlestick injury with someone who is definitely HIV positive, This is also sometimes used after a sexual assault.

What is the window menstruation?

The window menses is the term to describe the fourth dimension between an exposure and the point at which an HIV test would show positive.

During the window period someone who is infected wirh HIV tin have a HIV negative test outcome.

For 4th generation antigen/antibody tests a window menstruum of4 weeks is enough to detect 95% of infections. Considering 5% of people take upwards to three months to develop antibodies a three month window is generally referred to.

Nonetheless, in 2020, UK guidelines inverse to recommend using this test after six weeks. This is because 99% of infections will then be detected.

What is the window catamenia.

Which test tin can I use?

In the UK, tests sent to a laboratory should exist 4th generation antigen/antibody exam. HIV testing is complimentary in the United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland – and almost other countries. UK guidelines recommend waitinghalf-dozen weeks to accept a test. If you practice this there is then no need to have a second exam to check the issue.

"Rapid HIV tests" where you encounter the result while you expect, are 3rd generation tests. These just tell you your HIV condition eight weeks ago. "Rapid" refers to the results being quick, non that yous can use so afterwards a recent hazard.

Viral load test are not approved or recommended for diagnosing HIV. They are sometimes used though. For example afterward a very high take chances especially if there are symptoms consistent with seroconversion.

It is non recommended to use viral load to test for HIV. Although some private clinics offer them for this apply, they volition non requite you lot an accurate reply.

Information nearly different types of tests.

Where tin I go an HIV test in the UK?

Where to get an HIV test in the U.k.?.

I am worried about taking an HIV test…

It is common to worry whenever you accept a examination.

If it turns out that yous are HIV-positive, then it is better for you to know this as early every bit possible. You can and then access appropriate monitoring and treatment. It will also assist protect your sexual partners.

If it turns out that you are HIV-negative, and then knowing this for certain will stop you lot worrying about this aspect of life.

An HIV examination will focus y'all on your sexual health. If it is negative, use this experience to become aware of your sexual wellness in the futures. If y'all are sexually active, and take risks in the future, echo the test every year as part of an annual bank check up.

How are results given?

Your test centre should conspicuously explain the results of your examination.

If you have questions that nosotros not explained, or that even so worry you, go back to enquire that centre again.

Results are generally given every bit:

• Negative / non-reactive = HIV-negative = You practise not accept HIV (based on the window period and assuming yous accept not had whatever more than recent risks)
• Positive / reactive = HIV-positive = You take HIV infection
• Indeterminate = the exam results was unclear and will be checked with another test

What does a number on my negative HIV test event mean?

The number (ie 0.06 or 0.64 etc) is a more accurate (quantitative) style of measuring the event other than a elementary, yes or no.

• If the number is less than 1.0 the upshot is negative.
• if the result is above ane.0 the result is positive
• If the result is very shut to ane.0 then the doctor may decide a confirmatory exam is required.

The number means cypher else in itself. A issue of 0.3 does not mean you are more likely to become positive than a number of 0.03. Increasing numbers with several examination does non mean you are more likely to be positive.

The graphic beneath is an case of this sort of test consequence.

Each test set their own reference ranges. It is of import to see what the range is for your specific examination. A reference range from 1 test might non exist authentic for a different type/brand.

Are HIV tests accurate?

Yes. Modern HIV tests are very accurate within the time limits that they are recommended.

A quaternary generation HIV examination (antigen/antibody) volition detect 95% of infections at 28 days subsequently exposure. It will detect 99% of infections at 6 weeks. At 3 months it will detect more than 99.99% of infections.

Faux negative results (where the test shows negative merely yous are really HIV positive) are very rare from any claret examination. They take been reported with some oral (saliva) tests if they are not given correctly. If you lot are worried nearly this, then a second will confirm whether the event is a test error.

A positive examination upshot ever needs to be routinely confirmed using a different blazon of test. When used equally a confirmatory test this is close to 100% accurate.

If you are still worried, for example because of symptoms, then a viral load test volition prove if HIV is present. If the viral load test is negative, and so the symptoms are not related to HIV.

Information about different types of tests

What is the difference between 3rd and 4th generation tests?

• tertiary generation tests look for antibodies to HIV. Rapid tests are 3rd generation. Antibodies take time to be produced. This means that 3rd generation tests tell yous about your HIV condition 8-12 weeks before you took the test.
• 4th generation tests look for both antibodies and antigens (ie direct evidence of HIV). HIV is detectable earlier antibodies are produced. This means that 4th generation tests tell you near your HIV status 3-six weeks before you took the exam. It is only at 6 weeks though that 99% of cases will exist picked upwards

A few studies have suggested that 3rd generation testing might exist accurate before than the explanation above.

What about rapid HIV tests?

Rapid HIV tests are 3rd generation tests. They only give an accurate result 8 weeks on longer later on any gamble.

What if my first exam is positive and the second test is negative?

Delight talk to your test center doctor.

i-Base cannot interpret individual exam results. This is something that your doctor or test heart has to exercise. The interpetation will depend on the blazon of test, your risk, and the fourth dimension between the risk and testing.

Ordinarily the 2d test will exist the accurate result – merely this is something to talk the medico or clinic about.

How accurate is a test at xiv, xviii, 24, 27, 49, 100 days etc?

Test accuracy data based on 28 days. It is non available at other time points. Information on the i-Base website is based on fourth generation tests being 95% accurate at 4 weeks, and that this needs to be confirmed after three months with a second exam. A negative text after three months (90 days) mean yous are HIV negative.

• Testing earlier is less accurate, but tin aid if someone is anxious.
• Afterward testing later is more accurate, but involves a longer wait.

Test accuracy at different time points is difficult to estimate and study. It requires each type of HIV examination being checked on blood samples from several hundred people who were donating blood oft (usually twice a calendar week) and who and so became infected without realising it.

Simply a small-scale proportion of people regularly give blood and simply a small proportion of those people catch HIV. These sample are difficult to get. Each manufacturer uses a like banking concern of blood samples to estimate the sensitivity of their test.

Some samples show a positive result after only a week, others take several months. This is considering of the broad range of individual responses to an infection.

Does a negative outcome mean I practice non have HIV? Is the consequence conclusive?

Yes if the exam was three months after your exposure risk. This is the purpose to testing. If the result is negative, and you have not had another risk, you exercise not have HIV. Stop worrying. Larn from the experience you lot have gone through taking a test. Acquire about how to protect yourself. Await afterwards your sexual health in the time to come.

If your test was less than three months after the exposure so you might demand to test again after three months. This depends on your risk.

If you lot tested negative four weeks after the exposure, you a very likely to be HIV-negative. In the Great britain, whether or not you need to confirm the issue with a 2d test several months later depends on your run a risk. This is because 5% of people can take longer than four weeks to generate an immune response.

Is a negative result 100% accurate?

Nosotros go asked this a lot. As an data service we have to say that technically, no test is 100% accurate.

This is partly to do with language. In science you can never prove 100% that something is NOT there or that something will NEVER happen. This is referred to every bit "the impossibility of proving a negative".

In practice, a negative result three months after your last exposure risk is interpreted to mean you exercise NOT have HIV.

In real life, this means yous practice NOT have HIV.

If you have symptoms, this is not probable to exist due to HIV. If they were related to HIV you lot would test positive. The symptoms are related to something else – run into a dr..

What is a 'faux negative' exam result?

A false negative test result occurs when the test shows negative and the person is really HIV positive.

This is very rare. Information technology commonly occurs during the window period when someone is very recently infected but the examination can't pick up the infection.

Nearly all tests take a margin of error. this is usually small. With HIV antibody tests only 0.iii% of tests (3 tests in every 1000) will be a false negative afterward 3 months.

With fourth generation tests, it is lower notwithstanding at three months.

If you lot are worried you can have a second test. This will eliminate the possibility of a faux negative event.

What is a 'faux positive' test result?

A false positive test is when the exam result shows positive but the person is negative.

This can happen with antibody tests when the test picks upwards antibodies for other infections.

Approximately 15 out of every 1000 antibiotic tests are a simulated positive (1.v%).

The fourth generation tests take a much lower risk of a false positive. This is why yous should e'er have a 2nd confirmatory test if the consequence is positive.

The exam used to confirm a positive result is 100% accurate. If the second test does not ostend you are positive so you lot do not have HIV.

Practice I need to accept another test?

No, not if your exposure risk was more than 3 months prior to the test.

If the test was taken less than three months later the exposure risk, then retesting 3 months after the exposure risk is recommended in about guidelines.

Why do I need another test at 3 months after an exposure?

Please follow this link for a very comprehensive answer regarding the BASHH guidelines and why it is that some Mucilage clinics still ask patients to do a confirmatory exam at three months.

Why do some doctors (and websites) say to exam again at half dozen months?

We are based in the United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland and our information is based on United kingdom guidelines. At that place are occasional reports where people may accept longer than three months to develop antibodies to HIV. If they occur these are very rare.

A negative test at three months means information technology is fine to get on with your life. The feel of taking an HIV test should assist focus you on taking fewer risks in the futurity. It should also brand it easier to routinely include an HIV examination in your future sexual health care.

Whether this is after half dozen months or every yr will depend on how oftentimes you have sex that includes the gamble of HIV.

Testing is usually free and piece of cake. Yous will not do whatever harm if you desire to test at half dozen months. Just don't spend the time obsessing over HIV because a negative test at three months is very good news!

Tin can meds or other illnesses or things affect the issue of my HIV test?

HIV antibiotic tests are not affected by other infections, medications, vaccinations, putting on weight, eating or drinking anything before the test, use of alcohol or recreational drugs, mouthwash or time of day.

Your examination consequence is accurate even if you had flu or a common cold or are using antihistamine treatment, for example, for hay fever.

You lot do not demand to fast before your exam, eating and drinking before the test will not affect the results.

How can my partner test positive and I exam negative?

Why different people test positive and negative.

What is seroconversion? What are the symptoms?

Information on seroconversion.

Does this symptom [… rash/crawling/headache etc] related to HIV?

Most people worried about a contempo infection fault common symptoms of other illnesses with HIV. Stress and worry tin can cause and contribute to these symptoms. Information nigh symptoms of recent HIV infection.

If you take any symptoms that are worrying you, then seek medical advice from a doctor or other wellness care worker. The people working at i-Base are non doctors. We cannot diagnose HIV or any other illness.

Where can I get more information about risks of catching HIV?

This online guide has a lot more infromation near dissimilar risks.

Means you can Non catch HIV

The following list includes examples or questions nosotros get from people worried nigh catching HIV.

The data above should take articulate enough these are not risks. Like questions will not be answered in the Q&A pages but may simply be added to this list below.

Y'all can Non catch HIV from:

• Masturbation.
• Sexual activity with someone who does not take HIV.
• Eating prepacked craven which may have had human blood on it.
• Eating any nutrient cooked or uncooked with blood on it.
• From a sterile needle at a GUM clinic or any other healthcare eye.
• From a human being bite.
• From an insect bite including a musquito seize with teeth.
• From an animal.
• From being in close proximity to a 'sharps' bin in a Glue clinic.
• From living in the same house equally someone who is HIV positive (unless you lot have unprotected sex).
• From a sewing needle if you stab your finger.
• Blood on a motorbus seat that went through underwear.
• Cleaning nail clippers.
• Using a pocketknife/fork/spoon/cup/plate etc.
• From a plaster.
• From a razor that hasn't been used for hours (probably even minutes).
• From eating peanuts from a bowl.

Last updated: iv February 2022.

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Source: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing

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