non-reactive (HIV-negative) test result should return for retesting to rule out acute infection that is too early for the test to detect – in other words, in the window period. However, retesting is needed only for HIV-negative individuals who report recent or ongoing risk of exposure. For most people who test HIV-negative, additional retesting to rule out being in the window period is not necessary and may waste resources.
For most people who test HIV-negative, additional retesting to rule out being in the window period is not necessary.