I've taken the HIV antibody and p24 antigen tests at the 5-month mark, and again after 6 months, and they both came back negative. I'm really anxious about whether this 6-month window period is enough to be sure that I'm HIV negative. Can you give me some clarity on this?

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Dhankecha Dineshbhai

General Practitioner

MBBS
6+ Yrs

Consult Now

Based on your negative HIV antibody and p24 antigen tests at 5 months and 6 months post-exposure, it is highly likely that you are HIV negative. The window period for these tests is typically around 4-6 weeks, so testing at 5 and 6 months post-exposure provides a very reliable indication of your HIV status. It is recommended to continue practicing safe sex and regular testing for sexually transmitted infections for overall health maintenance.

Dr. Dhankecha Suggests...

Consult a Infectious Disease specialist

Find a Infectious Disease specialist

Answered 04/07/2025

More Infectious Disease Health Queries

View all

So, I got this tattoo and I'm worried about the risk of infection. I went for an HIV test on the 12th day after exposure, using the HIV 12 ELISA method, and the result was negative, with a score of 0.415 SCo. Then, on the 32nd day, I took an HIV test again, which was the HIV 12 p24 Combo test with CMIA, and it came back non-reactive at 0.1. How confident can I be in these results?

-Based on the negative results from both the HIV 12 ELISA test (day 12) and the HIV 12 & p24 Combo test (day 32), it's very unlikely that you have HIV. These tests are highly accurate, especially after the 4-week mark. Trusting these results gives you a

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Is it possible to catch HIV from a fingernail? I'd really like to understand more about how HIV spreads, just to ease my worries a bit.

if BLOOD COMES IN CONTACT THERE ARE CHANCES IF NOT MINIMAL RISK OF GETTING INFECTED

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

I'm dealing with spine TB and have been on TB meds for six months now. I did a CT biopsy, and all TB drugs seem to be working. But my MRI report after six months doesnt show any improvement; in fact, it says the infection has increased. I couldn't walk at all when I started, but now I can walk without any pain, and I've even gained 10 kilos. I'm just confused and a bit worried about why the MRI isnt showing progress even though I feel better. What could be going on?

according to TB guidelines you have to take medicine upto18 months then only u get better results in mri

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Health Articles for you

View all

Sepsis

Sepsis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Know about sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection. Learn its causes, symptoms, its impact on health, and treatment options to ensure timely care and better recovery outcomes.

Influenza flu

H3N2 Influenza Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

Learn about H3N2 influenza, its common symptoms, effective prevention tips, and available treatment options to manage the infection.

General Medical Consultation

Signs of Bacterial Infection: What to Watch For

Learn how to recognise bacterial infection symptoms, how they differ from viral ones, red flags for sepsis, and when to seek urgent medical care.

Covid

Oxygen Concentrators How They Help COVID-19 Patients Breathe Better

How oxygen concentrators support COVID-19 oxygen therapy: who needs them, safe home use, and when to seek urgent care. Evidence-based, easy-to-read guide.

Covid

10 Essential Ways to Keep Your Home Clean and Coronavirus-Free

Keep your home safe and virus-free with these 10 essential cleaning and disinfecting tips. Learn science-backed strategies to protect your household from coronavirus.

Disclaimer: Answers on Apollo 247 are not intended to replace your doctor advice. Always seek help of a professional doctor in case of an medical emergency or ailment.