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How Accurate Is The Aptima HIV RNA Qualitative Assay Test Result?

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Posted on Thu, 19 Jan 2017
Question: (Possible infection Dec 11, 10PM) How accurate is the Aptima HIV RNA qualitative assay test after (Sample collection Dec 20, 12PM) 8 days 14 Hrs? The results (Result date Dec 27, 5PM) are negative but I have been retested at day 17, Dec 28 with another Aptima HIV RNA test and also HIV 1/2 ANTIGEN/ANTIBODY, FOURTH GENERATION W/RFL test.
I am very worried that this test was taken early and it might be a false negative. What are the chances the HIV RNA test is a false negative at 8 days 14 hrs of blood collection
The date of possible exposure was Dec 11 at 10PM, the blood sample was collected on Dec 20 12PM (8days 14 hrs) the results were reported on Dec 27 5PM. Does the virus replicate inside the vial during transport to add an extra day or two to the sample?
I'm hoping the currect negative result is a good indication that the following tests will be negative. I need a little peace of mind.
I have read on STDCHECK.com that the window period is 9-11 days. https://www.stdcheck.com/hiv-rna-test.php
I have read on HIVGUIDELINES.org that the window period is 7-14 days. http://www.hivguidelines.org/wp-content/uploads/characteristics-of-hiv-tests-posted-01-03-2011.pdf
I have read on cdc website 7-28 days. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/index.html
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Chances of HIV is almost nil.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for query. Welcome to health care magic.
I am Dr Bharatesh D Basti answering your query.
I have gone through the details and can make out your anxiety.

It is not clear about the history of risk Exposure.

The chances of transmission of HIV by unprotected intercourse with a HIV positive person is 1/200 to 1/1000.It is very low. If protected it is nil.

HIV 1 RNA PCR test (Aptima) is a very sensitive test after 7- 10 days.It can detect as early as 4 days post exposure. The test is NEGATIVE after 8 days and again after 17 days. It is >99% sensitive.It is almost Conclusive that you are free from HIV-1.
The chances of HIV 2 is very rare .

The antigen- Antibodies test is also negative but they are more reliable after 1 month exposure.
With both the tests being Negative , the chances of HIV tests coming positive later is almost nil.

You may go for HIV 1&2 Antibodies tests after 3 months as final Conclusive results to allay your fears totally.

You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Dermatologist and venereolgist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (2 hours later)
(1)The Aptima RNA Qualitative test I took after 8 days is negative. How accurate can this be?

Reading Table 5, page 23 chart of link to hologic to understand accuracy percentage of test based on viral load.
http://www.hologic.com/sites/default/files/package%20inserts/501623-IFU-PI_001_01.pdf
(2)What would be a median viral load, copies/ML on the 8th day of infection?

(3)What is the median rate that HIV replicates viral load (copies/ML) per day from day zero?

I have not received the results of the second Aptima RNA test or the HIV 1/2 ANTIGEN/ANTIBODY, FOURTH GENERATION W/RFL test I took on the 17 day yet.
What are the chances that the second RNA test and the 4th gen test I took on day 17 will be negative?

doctor
Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Chances of tests results coming positive later is nil

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.

The aptima test after 8 days is almost considered 95-99% accurate.
Usually the RNA copies > 20-30 copies/ml can be detected by 8days. It is considered best after 10-12 days post exposure(>99% sensitive).
The chances of the second RNA test and the 4th generation test on day 17 is likely to be negative with the given RNA test result.
I am not very sure about the multiplication rates per day (copies/ML) of HIV.

In my opinion the chances of tests results coming positive later is nil.

You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Dermatologist and venereolgist
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. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti

Dermatologist

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 1764 Questions

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How Accurate Is The Aptima HIV RNA Qualitative Assay Test Result?

Brief Answer: Chances of HIV is almost nil. Detailed Answer: Hi Thank you for query. Welcome to health care magic. I am Dr Bharatesh D Basti answering your query. I have gone through the details and can make out your anxiety. It is not clear about the history of risk Exposure. The chances of transmission of HIV by unprotected intercourse with a HIV positive person is 1/200 to 1/1000.It is very low. If protected it is nil. HIV 1 RNA PCR test (Aptima) is a very sensitive test after 7- 10 days.It can detect as early as 4 days post exposure. The test is NEGATIVE after 8 days and again after 17 days. It is >99% sensitive.It is almost Conclusive that you are free from HIV-1. The chances of HIV 2 is very rare . The antigen- Antibodies test is also negative but they are more reliable after 1 month exposure. With both the tests being Negative , the chances of HIV tests coming positive later is almost nil. You may go for HIV 1&2 Antibodies tests after 3 months as final Conclusive results to allay your fears totally. You can get back for any clarification. Thank you Dr Bharatesh D Basti Dermatologist and venereolgist