Based on bioLytical’s studies, INSTI demonstrates third generation performance and detects HIV antibodies of the IgM and IgG class. IgM antibodies are the earliest antibodies that the body produces after an HIV infection and can be detectable within 21-22 days.
Depending on how quickly a person’s immune system generates HIV antibodies after infection, it could still take up to 3 months to get a positive result (although this is rare). If you think you have been exposed to HIV within the last 3 months and your results are negative, you will need to test again after at least 3 months have passed since your possible exposure.
The time from HIV infection to when a test can correctly give a positive result is referred to as the “window period.”