Does HIV RNA PCR Diagnostic Test Give Accurate Results?

Posted on Sat, 28 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 28 Feb 2015 Answered on

Wed, 18 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : are the hiv pcr rna test still producing false positives like they were a few years ago?

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Low false positive rates.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for query. I am Dr Bharatesh D Basti answering your query.
Welcome to health care magic.
Usually HIV RNA PCR is not or should not be used as a screening or diagnostic test.But it is many times used during the window period.
It is a very accurate test with > 99% sensitivity.
The false positive rate is very low < 1%.

The recent versions too detect all subtypes of HIV.
The false positivity rate is reduced too.

You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Dermatologist and venerologist

Note: Get personalized answers to your HIV related queries You can choose to talk face to face with your doctor. Book a Video Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T