Early HIV Detection (DNA PCR Test)

Test for recent exposure.

When a individual is infected with HIV, their body produces antibodies to fight the infection.  If there are antibodies in a person's blood, it means they have been infected with HIV.  Most people have detectable antibodies within 6 to 12 weeks of HIV infection.  A standard HIV antibody blood test is highly reliable from three months after potential exposure.  There is a period of time between infection and the production of HIV antibodies during which a person can get false negative results.

PCR Blood Test

The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test screens for genetic material associated with HIV rather than HIV antibodies, and can detect HIV in the blood within two or three weeks of infection.   The PCR test is also known as an HIV nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).