HIV infection can typically be detected by a blood test within a few weeks to a few months after exposure, depending on the type of HIV test used. Some common types of HIV tests and their detection window include:
a). An Antibody test can typically detect HIV antibodies within 3 to 12 weeks (even longer in some cases).
b). An Antigen/Antibody test can detect the infection after 2 to 6 weeks of exposure.
c). A Nucleic Acid test is one of the earliest tests available for detecting HIV infection. It can detect HIV’s RNA (genetic material) within days to a few weeks.
d). HIV self-test kits have a detection window of 3 to 12 weeks post-exposure.