Seroconversion period
Current as of: October 6, 2021
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Elizabeth T. Russo MD - Internal Medicine
Search by keyword or browse our list of services.
Find a provider by specialty, location, or availability.
Available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
See current studies testing new drugs, devices, and equipment to find better ways to treat and help patients.
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 without delay.
Search by specialty and location.
Receive the highest level of care from the region's leading providers.
Find a lab or imaging facility close to you.
Search for a retail pharmacy in your area.
Find an outpatient infusion center.
Visit us to pay bills, ask billing questions, or request billing records.
The seroconversion period is a time during which a person who has an infection does not test positive for it. This period occurs before a person has produced a high enough number of antibodies for a test to detect the condition.
Antibodies are proteins made by the body's natural defense system (immune system) to attack and destroy foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses. The seroconversion period is also called the antibody development period.
The length of the seroconversion period depends on the type of infection. For example, with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the seroconversion period is usually between 1 and 3 months, although it can be as short as 2 weeks or as long as 6 months. During the seroconversion period, an infected person can transmit the disease or condition even if he or she does not have signs of the infection.
Current as of: October 6, 2021
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Elizabeth T. Russo MD - Internal Medicine
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
To learn more, visit Healthwise.org
© 1995- Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
You take care of others, so take care of yourself. Let us be your partner in health, whether you're recovering from an injury, checking in for your annual exam, or enjoying an online class.
Because when you take care of yourself, everyone around you benefits.