Can someone transmit HIV when they are non reactive?

If someone gets a non-reactive or negative result from an HIV test, this usually means they do not have HIV.

It is possible to get HIV from someone if they got HIV recently before the infection can show in the test.

• For HIV lab tests, it takes 7 weeks for the HIV infection to show up in the test

• For Insti HIV tests, it takes 12 weeks for the HIV infection to show up in the test

If you’re not sure when you might have been exposed to HIV, do a test now and another after the window period. If you were exposed to HIV less than 72 hours ago, look into taking PEP to reduce the chance of infection.

Reviewed by

Dr Paula Baraitser, Medical Director, SH:24