How long should an individual wait after exposure to take an HIV test for accurate results?

To obtain accurate results after potential exposure to HIV, individuals should wait approximately three months before taking an HIV test. This period allows enough time for the body to produce detectable levels of antibodies against the virus, which is crucial for the test to accurately reflect one’s HIV status.

During the initial few weeks after exposure, known as the acute phase, HIV may not be detectable even if the virus is present in the body. Testing earlier than three months may result in a high chance of false-negative results due to this window period. Health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommend waiting this duration for most standard antibody tests to ensure reliability.

While shorter waiting periods—such as one or two months—might seem reasonable, tests conducted during these times could miss newly developed antibodies. Waiting for six months is generally unnecessary unless advised by a healthcare professional or in certain specific scenarios. Therefore, three months strikes a balance ensuring that the test results are both accurate and timely for clinical decision-making.