How Accurate Is An HIV RNA Blood Test?

Posted on Fri, 24 Jul 2015

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

Fri, 24 Jul 2015 Answered on

Thu, 13 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello Dr,
how accurate is HIV RNA blood test. I have had sex on the 31 of may i went to the Lab for cheack up on 16 of july so its been 47 days. my results came back negative should i be worry please advise or should i go for test again?

Regards,

Answered by Dr. Srilatha Myaka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Fourth generation PCR test for RNA is 99.8% accurate

Detailed Answer:
Hi good day
welcome to health care magic.
I can understand your concern.
The 4 th generation RNA testing for HIV1&2 are highly accurate up to 99.8% when done after 7-10 days.
But RNA testing should not be used for diagnosis of the case.this test is used to evaluate the progression of the case which is already diagnosed as HIV POSITIVE.

Getting a negitive RNA testing is a good report.

In case of similar patient in my clinic I would rather do combined hiv 1&2 antibodies and p24 antigen.As it will take 4-6 wks for antibodies to appear.

so kindly speak with your doctor regarding antibody and p 24 antigen testing.

Hope I am able to answer your query.

feel free to ask any further query

regards

Dr srilatha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Srilatha Myaka (3 hours later)

Thank you Srilatha i contacted the Lab say say they have not recived the HIV 4th Generation but i see in reported it has been mentioned can you help please

Answered by Dr. Srilatha Myaka (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
This test report is 4 th generation antibody antigen test for HIV1&2

Detailed Answer:
Hi Good day.
I saw your reports and this test is fourth generation antigen antibody testing used for detection of HIV 1&2 infection.
this test is quite accurate.

hope i am able to satisfy your query.
regards
Dr srilatha
Specialist gynecologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E