Hello Doctor, I recently did an HIV test using the ICT method about 1 month after possible exposure. How accurate is this test at this stage? Should I get tested again for confirmation?

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Bhanu Prakash

General Practitioner

MBBS
AFIH
Advanced certificate in critical care medicine
Fellowship in critical care medicine
10+ Yrs

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The HIV ICT test is a basic screening test and may not fully detect early infections if done only after 1 month. Since antibodies take time to develop, its recommended to repeat the test at 3 months using a 4th generation (CMIA or Duo) test, which checks for both antigen and antibody. This gives more accurate and reliable results.

Dr. Bhanu Suggests...

Take a HIV 1 AND 2 ANTIBODIES Test

Book HIV 1 AND 2 ANTIBODIES Test

Answered 10/09/2025

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Sir, I have a doubt regarding HIV testing. If a person tests negative at 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, or even 10 years after exposure, but later tests positive, is it true that this depends on the immune system? Does this mean there is no conclusive test for HIV?

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My report states that HIV 2 can be slow progressors to AIDS. I did an RTPCR test after 6 years of exposure, and the result was nondetected. However, the report notes that if the viral load is below 100 copies, the result may still come as non detected. My question is, if I had been infected with HIV 2 six years ago and have not taken any medication, could the viral load still be below 100 copies after six years due to slow progression?

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