Question 12 • 2026-2027 EDGE Human Anatomy and Physiology A
Ami got an HIV test, and the results were negative. To make sure the results were accurate, she went back three weeks later for another test. She did not have sexual relations, and there were no life changing events between tests. This time, her test was positive. Which statement best explains why Ami’s tests showed different results?
Answer
A
The tests were done too close together, and there must be more time between each test.
B
Ami’s second test must have been contaminated by another source.
C
HIV tests often show false positives so it is likely that Ami does not have HIV.
D
Ami may have recently contracted HIV and had the first test done too early.
Explanation
After HIV infection, there can be a window period when a test is still negative because the markers it detects have not yet reached detectable levels. If Ami recently contracted HIV, her first test may have been taken during that period, while the second test detected the infection. This makes “Ami may have recently contracted HIV and had the first test done too early” the best explanation.
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