Respecting the window period in STI testing
Each infection and, therefore, each test has a “window period” that must be respected if you do not have symptoms of the disease.
We know that not all doctors, clinics and laboratories that perform STD tests apply these rules, but it is for your own good and to protect your health and that of the people with whom you have sex. Continue reading, for more information on the high importance of the window period in STI testing.
What is the window period?
It is the minimum time that must pass after the risky contact for a test to be reliable when there are no obvious symptoms of the disease.
Is it an Open House invention?
We observe these restrictions because they have been set by opinion leaders in the field of sexually transmitted infections. These recommendations are published in Clinical Guidelines that are updated periodically. They are not applicable only to the tests carried out in Open House, but to all healthcare professionals working in the STI field.
Why do some other clinics NOT respect the same window periods as in Open House?
Unfortunately, many other clinics know that a patient will choose them if they offer a service where they don’t have to wait for this window period before testing. But it goes against all of the clinical guidelines to test early without symptoms and endangers the health of you and your sexual partners.
Open House sees the window period like this…
- Maximise the reliability of the test so that you remove all doubts
- The patient does not waste their time and money doing tests ahead of time that they will have to repeat later.
- Our compliance with clinical guidelines demonstrates the good practice and knowledge of the doctors requesting the test.
- The patient does not put their health or that of their sexual partners at risk.
The window periods for the main STIs are:
We have designed a chart to convey the information more visually.
Minimum Window Period
This is the time after the contact during which the tests have high reliability.
Recommended Window Period
The time Open House recommends for taking the test to improve sensitivity based on our clinical experience.
Maximum Window Period
The time frame during which the test can detect infections that manifest later.
But don’t forget: if you have compatible symptoms, we don’t wait for the window period and can perform the diagnosis immediately.
Why a Minimum, Recommended, and Maximum Window Period?
The progression of an infection depends on multiple factors, which means a single window period cannot be universally applied to everyone.
What Are These Factors?
Factors include, but are not limited to:
- The type of infection being tested.
- The type of test performed.
- The immune system’s response.
- The bacterial or viral load of the person with whom you had risky contact.
When Should I Take the Tests?
Ideally, you should take them at least during the recommended window period. If you can wait until the maximum, even better. If you choose to test during the minimum, we recommend repeating the tests during the maximum period.
Does This Mean the Tests Aren’t Valid if Taken Outside the Maximum Window?
No, at Open House, using the recommended periods, we have not had any false-negative results. However, since a few cases involve late manifestations, we provide all the information so you can make the decision that best suits your situation.
Why don’t all infections have a window period?
There are other STIs in addition to those listed in the previous section, such as herpes, trichomonas, mycoplasma hominis, ureaplasma, etc. that are not regularly included in asymptomatic check-ups due to their low diagnostic value or because it is only relevant to search for and treat them if they manifest symptoms.
Do you have questions or concerns? Open House specialist doctors are the best guarantee. Call us to request an appointment at our clinics in Madrid or Valencia or purchase a video-consultation to resolve your doubts with expert professionals in STDs.
Dr. Atef Souied Espada
Madrid ClinicValencia ClinicMedical Center Málaga Test Online