The window period is the time from a possible risk exposure until infection can be reliably detected by a diagnostic test.
If you take the test too early, the result may not reflect the infection even if it is present. That's why it's important to stick to the recommended times.
Below are the indicative window periods:
- HIV: 2-4 weeks on average, but may exceed 12 weeks.
- Hepatitis B: about 2 weeks.
- Hepatitis C: 6-9 weeks on average, and may exceed 12 weeks.
- Syphilis: 3-6 weeks on average, and may exceed 12 weeks.
- Gonorrhoea: 1-2 weeks on average, and may exceed 2 weeks.
- Chlamydia: 1-3 weeks on average, and may exceed 12 weeks.
- Trichomoniasis: 1-4 weeks on average, and may exceed 4 weeks.
- Mycoplasma genitalium: 2-4 weeks on average, and may exceed 12 weeks.
- Mycoplasma hominis: there is no clearly defined window period.
- Ureaplasmas: there is no clearly defined window period.
If you have had a recent exposure, we can provide guidance on the best time to test or whether to repeat the test at a later date.