When HIV infection occurs in a person, their body produces specific proteins called antibodies to fight HIV. The HIV antibody test looks for these antibodies to confirm the presence of virus. Mostly, people develop these detectable antibodies within 3 months of HIV infection. In a rare case, this process takes up to six months.

So it is recommended to take the HIV test at 6 months after the possible exposure to HIV. During this period, you must avoid any further exposure to HIV. After 6 months, it is extremely rare to develop detectable antibodies.

No. If a person is detected negative in HIV test that doesn' t indicate that his/her partner is also HIV negative. The HIV test determines only that particular person' s HIV status. It is always not essential that if a person has an exposure to HIV, the HIV will be transmitted to that him/her.