What is Window period ?
The common test for HIV is screening blood for antibodies. The antibodies take 2 to 24 weeks to appear in blood. This is known as the window period. During this period, an infected individual is infective, but the HIV tests for antibodies are negative. Hence, to be sure, the test should be repeated again 6 months after the last contact or exposure to HIV.
The blood test to detect HIV in the body (ELISA TEST) doesnt become positive immediately after the entry of virus into the body. It takes between 1-3 months (maximum 6 months) for this test to become positive. This time between entry of virus into the body and the blood test becoming positive is known as Window period. The person is infectious i.e. able to transmit the virus during window period.
