3 questions, NOT about the swine flu but about HIV/AIDS?

1) How long after a possible exposure should you wait to get tested for HIV and why?
2) What are they looking for when they test someone for HIV & How is it diagnosed?
3) What is meant by the 鈥榳indow period鈥?

First, please disregard above answers.
They are outdated.

1. 6 weeks after possible exposure picks up 95~99% of the infections.
3 months after possible exposure is conclusive.

2. There are two kinds of tests, the ones that looks for HIV antibodies and the other looks for the virus itself (this test isn't FDA approved so only used for a piece of mind not a confirmation)

3. Window period is the time that's needed for the test to give reliable result.

1.) It may not show up for anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months.

2.) Usually they test for the antibodies your body produces to try to fight HIV. These show up anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months after infection. There is a juch more expensive test for viral DNA that can show the virus a little bit earlier,

3.) The period between infection and the virus showing up in tests. Ironicaly, the disease is extra contagious during tims time.

1. If you believed you're exposed, immediately for a baseline, and then at 6 months

2. Typically the production of antibodies against the virus

3. This is the period between contracting the virus and the production of demonstrable antibody.