How early can HIV show up on a test?

According to Perry N. Halkitis, PhD, a psychologist specializing HIV at New York University "Most HIV tests can only detect the virus starting three to six months after infection -- so you should ask about your partner's sexual history for the past six months"

It's important to have the following information about a new sex partner prior to jumping into bed.

• When was their last HIV test? 
• How many sex partners have they had since the test or in the past six months if the test is recent? 
• Have they ever been diagnosed with another STD? 
• Are they willing to use condoms regardless of HIV status? 
• Are you using any form of birth control? 
• What sexual activities do you want? What don't you want?

These questions may sound more like an interrogation, but opening lines of communication are critical when having a healthy sexual relationship.