Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How soon after risky sex can you be 100% sure you are clear of HIV?

There is no single correct answer to this question. One recommended strategy is to get tested 1, 3, and 6 months after a risky exposure. Using a standard antibody HIV test, of those who are infected, some will test positive at 1 month; almost all will test positive at 3 months; and the rest will test positive at 6 months. Newer and more sensitive HIV tests make it more and more likely that HIV will be detected at earlier time points.

For more information, please see the Getting Tested section of the Web site.