Question

What is the window phase of an infection? How is this concept important for testing for HIV infection in blood banks?

Answer 1

Windows phase is present between time of infection and the point at which evidence of infection is detected. In HIV window period is Initial HIV infection and the development of a measurable immunological response to the infection. During this period a person infected with HIV could still have a negative HIV test results. During the antibody test may give false negative results.HIV test is not 100 % sure that the patient is not infected due to the window period and blood bank may not be able to pick up the infection and this HIV virus can pass on to those who receive their blood.