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Very Interesting Question
Feb 11, 2001
Is the Window Period the same for a gay man as opposed to a straight man? (6 months). Then why does it matter for the blood supply, (men sex with men). If a gay man passes the 6 month window period is it the same as a straight man? I am a little confused about this topic and wish you could clarify it.
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Response from Dr. Pavia
As far as anyone knows, there is no difference in the time before you test positive after infection (ie the window period) by mode of transmission. The issue for anyone giving blood or putting anyone else at risk through sex is whether a test today rules out infection. Most people (more than 99%) will test positive within 3 months after infection. To be absolutely cautious, we talk about 6 months as a window period. That means that a negative test today means you were not infected as of 6 months ago (or as of 3 months ago in all likelihood). However, if you have been exposed in the last few weeks, the test does not prove you weren't infected very recently.
I hope that helps.
ATP
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