Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 11/11/2004

Question
I asked a question about oral sex w/out ejaculation and I forgot to mention that I was tested for HIV three months after the incidence and my test was negative.  I was wondering if I should be tested again just to double check or if it is most likely that the first test was accurate at three months because I know that they say 6 months is the most accurate but 3 months is usually, in most cases, accurate as well. So do you think that my first test was accurate enough and I am definately negative or should I be tested again?

Answer
Yes, you're right-most people will seroconvert by 3 months. However, a small percentage of people take longer. There's no way to really know if someone will take longer or be in the average range, so I suggest to everyone to test again at 6 months to be absolutely sure. Although in most cases, your 3 month result will be accurate.