How Accurate Is RNA- HIV Qualitative Test Done After 7 Days Of Exposure?

Posted on Wed, 12 Nov 2014

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

Wed, 12 Nov 2014 Answered on

Sat, 6 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : How accurate is APTIMA RNA-HIV QUALITATIVE test done after 7 days of exposure? I had a negative result but am having symptoms...scratchy throat, soft - skinny stools, some dampness/sweating at night. The exposure was 16 days ago now. Scared.

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
95% sensitive at 7 days.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for query. I am Dr Bharatesh D Basti answering your query.
RNA PCR is >95% sensitive after 7 days exposure. It is much better >99% sensitive after 12 days. If negative at 7 days is a good sign. You can repeat now this test just to relive your anxiety.
The symptoms mentioned are all non specific and not due to HIV. It can be due to stress and anxiety.
You can get back for any clarification
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh Basti
Dermatologist and venereologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (38 minutes later)

Can this test be used as a stand alone test? Many doctors feel only the anti-body test at 3-6 months is conclusive. Hard to wait that long though. From what I read, I though my symptoms were some of the ones listed for HIV. Can anxiety really cause a sore throat? Thank you for your help.

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is 99% sensitive for HIV1.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
RNA PCR test is 99% sensitive after 12 days exposure. It relieves your anxiety at this stage .It suggests about hiv1.It does not detect HIV-2.HIV 2 is rare.
So the confirmatory will usually be antibodies test which detects antibodies for both types HIV 1& 2 after 3 months.Usually antibodies may take 3 months to appear in few individuals.
Sore throat can be due to any contact with any infected person.It may be simple viral infection. You need not link it to HIV.
You can get back for clarification
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh Basti

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (14 minutes later)

Thank you for your answers. So should I just wait to take antibodies test at 3 months, or just take 16 day RNA test today? What is likelihood of a negative 16 day RNA test and then test positive at 3 months with antibodies test? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Now RNA PCR.Elisa Antibodies test after 3 months

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
It is likely to come negative at 16 days.
You can go for HIV RNA PCR now to relieve your anxiety for now.Antibodies test after 3 months.
The chances of test coming positive3 months later after 16 days RNA pcr negative is almost nil.As hiv1 is most common and HIV1 will not come positive after 3 months.HIV 2 is very rare .

You can get back for any clarification
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh Basti

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj