How long does it take for HIV to show up on a blood test?!
Question:
How long does it take for HIV to show up on a blood test?
I know the CDC recommends 3 months... is this an accurate timeline? Has anyone heard of it taking longer?
Answers:
I also agree with the first two posts. A bit more information:
75% of people will test positive by 20 days after exposure
95% of people will test positive by 8 weeks
99% of people will test positive by 12-13 weeks.
I also recommend getting a second test (if you have a specific higher risk possible exposure, or are extremely worried/anxious) at a later date, though unless you are immune compromised already (chemo/radiation, large doses of steroids, or severely malnourished --- and therefore your immune system is unable to work well enough to create antibodies) the test at 13 weeks can be considered accurate.
Hope this helps.