why is a second blood test necessary three months after a person thinks he or she has been exposed to HIV
1 answer
A second blood test is necessary three months after potential exposure to HIV because it can take up to three months for the virus to show up in a person's bloodstream after initial infection. This period of time is known as the "window period," during which the immune system may not produce enough antibodies to be detected by a standard HIV test. By waiting three months and taking a second test, healthcare providers can rule out false negative results and accurately determine if the individual has been infected with HIV.