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HIV test window after exposure — DFSRH MCQ

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HardSTI diagnosis and managementHIV test window after exposureDFSRH

A patient has a negative laboratory fourth-generation HIV antigen/antibody test 9 days after exposure. Which repeat-testing plan best excludes HIV from that exposure?

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Correct answer: B — Repeat fourth-generation HIV testing at 45 days

A fourth-generation test at 9 days is a baseline result, not exclusion of infection from that exposure. UK adult HIV-testing guidance uses a 45-day window period for fourth-generation serology.

Reference: BHIVA/BASHH/BIA, Adult HIV Testing Guidelines 2020: https://bhiva.org/clinical-guideline/hiv-testing-guidelines/