IPOH, MALAYSIA: HIV screening for those intending to get married should be conducted twice, with the second test taking place six months after the first.

This would ensure that the individual who was tested was truly free from the human immunodeficiency virus, said Malaysian Red Crescent Society national vice-chairman (HIV and AIDS) Datuk Dr Bahari Abu Mansor on Sunday.

He said this was because it might take up to six months for the antibodies of an infected person to appear in his bloodstream.

"The antibodies, which are markers to confirm whether a person is HIV-positive or not, can usually be detected within six to 12 weeks after exposure to infection.

"However, in some cases, the antibodies can take up to six months to develop," he said, during an exhibition on HIV held by the society in conjunction with World AIDS Day.