How many days after exposure to HIV should I get tested?

One recommended strategy is to get tested 2-4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after a risky exposure. Using a sensitive antigen/antibody HIV test, of those who are infected, most will test positive at 1 month; almost all will test positive at 3 months; and the rest will test positive at 6 months.

What is the standard protocol for HIV diagnosis?

The primary tests for diagnosing HIV and AIDs include: ELISA Test ELISA, which stands for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, is used to detect HIV infection. If an ELISA test is positive, the Western blot test is usually administered to confirm the diagnosis.

What should you do immediately after being exposed to HIV?

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is medicine that you can take if you are HIV-negative and you believe you have just been exposed to HIV. If you take PEP as directed, it can stop the HIV virus from infecting your body. Do not delay. You need to take PEP as soon as possible after the exposure.

WHO recommended PEP regimen?

The following is recommended by CDC for PEP: TDF (300 mg), FTC (200 mg) once daily, RAL 400 mg twice daily or dolutegravir (DTG) 50 mg daily. TDF 200 mg, FTC (300 mg) once daily, RAL 200 mg twice daily or DTG 50 mg daily. FTC (200 mg) once daily, RAL 400 mg twice daily or DTG 50 mg daily.

Is Pep effective after 48 hours?

Thus, even though PEP is often offered for up to 72 hours after exposure, it should be initiated as early as possible. After 72 hours, PEP is not effective, and there are gradations in efficacy from 24 hours postexposure, to 36, 48, and 72 hours.

How effective is post exposure prophylaxis?

How well does PEP work? PEP does not prevent 100\% of HIV infections but it is very effective at preventing HIV if used consistently and correctly. Observational research suggests that PEP can reduce the risk of getting HIV by more than 80\%, which means some people in the studies acquired HIV despite taking PEP.

Does PEP delay antibody test?

In very rare instances, it has been reported that in some people where PEP had failed, they took longer than the usual 6 months to test positive on an antibody test.

Is PEP effective after 48 hours?

What is the difference between PrEP and PEP?

PrEP is daily medicine that can reduce this risk. With PrEP, if you do get exposed to HIV, the medicine can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout your body. PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. PEP is for people who have possibly been exposed to HIV.

How long should you take PrEP after exposure?

Ideally PEP should begin within an hour of possible infection and no longer than 72 hours after exposure, whereas PrEP should be taken during (before and after) the time high-risk exposure may take place. 7. Who is PrEP meant for? While PrEP is not an option for everybody, it is an option for many people.

What should I do if my initial HIV test is positive?

An initial HIV test usually will either be an antigen/antibody test or an antibody test. If the initial HIV test is a rapid test or a home test and it is positive, the individual should go to a health care provider to get follow-up testing.

How is HIV infection prevented after an exposure?

After an exposure has occurred, HIV infection can be prevented with rapid administration of ARV medications as PEP. The first dose of PEP should be administered within 2 hours of an exposure (ideal) and no later than 72 hours after an exposure.

What is post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV?

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) means taking medicine to prevent HIV after a possible exposure. PEP should be used only in emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours after a recent possible exposure to HIV.

When should I start PEP after HIV exposure?

Starting PEP as soon as possible after a potential HIV exposure is important. Research has shown that PEP has little or no effect in preventing HIV infection if it is started later than 72 hours after HIV exposure. If you’re prescribed PEP, you’ll need to take it once or twice daily for 28 days.