Timing depends on the test
There is no single window for all infections. Test type, sample, symptoms and PrEP or PEP use affect the plan. Seek guidance after a recent exposure rather than waiting alone.
When to test
The standard HIV test at CheckPoint is a rapid antibody test using finger-prick blood. The centre’s team recommends testing 42 days after the risk exposure, when the test can already give a highly reliable result. Because the window period for rapid antibody tests can be up to 90 days, a negative result on day 42 does not definitively rule out HIV infection. Depending on the specific risk exposure, we may recommend repeat testing on day 90.