Can Mono cause a false positive HIV test?

Comment: The report describes 3 pts suspected of IM with positive heterophile (Monospot) testing who instead had acute HIV infection, with EBV-specific serologies not suggesting acute EBV infection. These cases add to other reports showing that the Monospot can be falsely positive in pts with primary HIV infection.

Can antibiotics affect HIV test results?

Antibiotics do not affect HIV test results.

How long should you wait to get tested for HIV?

There is no single correct answer to this question. 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.

How long does it take for HIV antibodies to show up?

Antibodies to various HIV antigens do not start being detectable until 1 to 3 months following exposure, but sometimes this takes even longer. Recommendations for testing vary, but probably the most reasonable course of testing is to test for HIV antibodies at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.

What happens if my HIV test is negative 3 months later?

If you get an HIV test within 3 months after a potential HIV exposure and the result is negative, get tested again in 3 more months to be sure. If you learned you were HIV-negative the last time you were tested, you can only be sure you’re still negative if you haven’t had a potential HIV exposure since your last test.

What will my HIV testing experience be like?

Your HIV testing experience might be a little different depending on where you get tested. If you take a test in a health care setting or a lab, a health care provider or lab technician will take your sample (blood or oral fluid).