Why Might an HIV Test Be Negative Within the First

Question

Why might an HIV test be negative within the first two to three weeks of an HIV infection? A) because there is no HIV in the blood B) because there are no detectable levels of HIV antibodies in the blood C) because there are no symptoms D) because the CD4 T-cell count is above 500 cells/mm³ E) because there are no opportunistic infections yet

Accepted Answer

It takes approximately two to three weeks after HIV infection for the body to produce detectable levels of HIV antibodies. Therefore, an HIV test conducted within the first two to three weeks of infection may come back negative even though the person is infected with HIV.