How long does it take for HIV to show up on a test?

Answer by  Binome (1975)

The "window period" in which a false negative can occur can be anywhere from three weeks to six months. Usually, the test is accurate after 30 days. Antiretroviral therapy can extend the window period up to a year, though the treatment is for people who are already HIV positive.

Answer by  pradhaprajgmailcom (1518)

It depends on the health conditin.Normally the virus stays in the body unnoticed for about 3 months or so.Sometimes the virus may be detected one year.If it is accuired in the mother's uttres it may go unnoticed for years.Three months may take for showing symptoms.

Answer by  flip (18)

After infection HIV can usually be detected within a window of 6 months to one year. The body has to start fighting the virus before an HIV system will work.

Answer by  aearthdragon (471)

Certain tests will search for the antibodies against the virus. Those can take up to three or more weeks to give you a correct positive reading. It takes that long because your body doesn't instantly produce antibodies against the virus.