How Accurate Is PCR And DNA Test For Detecting HIV?

Posted on Tue, 24 Dec 2013

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

Tue, 24 Dec 2013 Answered on

Fri, 17 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Thanks dr. Will do . Merry xmas . May i asked you is pcr and dna test if hiv are the same ? How good this test at 11th day of exposure ? The whole thing i have inserted my finger inside the ass of a female unknown status to me . This finger had a ciggarrett burn 36 hours before the insertion. I started pep at 82 hours after the possible exposure . Was my risk big ? Was it good idea to start pep even at 82 hrs ? I am going home by this friday i.e at 12 th day of exposure so how good pcr or p24 or dna at 11th day of exposure ? The pep i am taking is callrd odiver -400 kit

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (2 days later)

Brief Answer: Followup Detailed Answer: I feel your risk of exposure is low. I think it is important for you to obtain confirmatory testing. I would wait at least another four weeks and then get tested again. Otherwise you will continue to worry on a daily basis. If you get a confirmation testing four weeks this should be the ultimate determination. PCR and DNA is essentially the same. Dr. G

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Robert Galamaga (9 minutes later)

Thanks dr . I have given blood sample today for p24 and real time pcr test . Do you suggest me to continur the pep ? How effecient the pep at 82 hours of possible exposure ? I read some advisrs says should be taken with 72 hours and anithet advisor said within 5 days XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Consideration. Detailed Answer: honestly I would not even test anymore right now. I would wait several weeks and then test one more time and then you can finally have peace of mind.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Robert Galamaga (2 minutes later)

This fine dr. My question if you dont mind how effecient pep when taken at tge 82 hours after the possible exposure ?

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (13 hours later)

Brief Answer: follow-up Detailed Answer: this is almost impossible to answer period, It definitely decrease his risk if you have real exposure. It seems that you have developed a significant amount of anxiety about this. I would suggest that you try to talk about this with your doctor or try to see a psychologist to help focus on more positive aspects of your life and not fixate on this particular issue. This is the only way he will move forward. Dr. G

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Robert Galamaga (3 hours later)

Many thanks dr. Wish you happy 2014

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (15 hours later)

Brief Answer: Thank you. Detailed Answer: have a very happy new year as well. Thanks again for sharing your healthcare concerns with me. Dr. G

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar