One day after a casual sexual encounter with a bisexual man recently diagnosed as antibody-positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a patient is concerned about whether she may have become infected. A negative antibody titer is obtained. To test for seroconversion, when is the earliest you should reschedule repeat antibody testing after the sexual encounter?

Persons at high risk for infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) include homosexuals, bisexual males, women having sex with a bisexual or homosexual partner, intravenous drug users, and hemophiliacs. The virus can be transmitted through sexual contact, use of contaminated needles or blood products, and perinatal transmission from mother to child. The antibody titer usually becomes positive 6 to 12 weeks after exposure, and the presence of the antibody provides no protection against acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Because of occasional delayed appearance of the antibody after initial exposure, it is important to follow up patients for 1 year after exposure.