What is the maximum window period for HIV test in India? – Dr. Ramakrishna Prasad

The term window period is used for that time duration when the HIV infection has already occurred but the body has not already made antibodies against the HIV infection that can be detected on screening tests, such as the ELISA. The duration of the window period depends on which test is used to identify HIV infection. The test which are used to identify HIV infection earliest after infection has occurred is called the HIV PCR test or the viral load. This can detect HIV infection as early as 7 to 10 days after infection has occurred. The second test which can be used and which can detect HIV infection as early as 2 weeks is the combined, HIV antibody and the p24 antibody test. This can detect infection as early as about 2 weeks. The commonly used HIV antibody test or ELISA tests and ELFA test can detect HIV infection, as early as about 3 weeks. All the tests are readily available in India in larger cities and should be able to establish HIV infection, within 6 weeks under all circumstances.