Is HIV-1 RNA Qualitative Test Done 29 Days Post Exposure Accurate?

Posted on Wed, 21 Dec 2016

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

Wed, 21 Dec 2016 Answered on

Sat, 7 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I had an encounter with a female 4 weeks ago, and another female a week before that, which I don't know both of their HIV status. How accurate is an HIV-1 RNA Qualitative test and a 4th generation test 22 days to 29 days after possible exposure? I tested negative on both tests!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You seem to be Ok

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I am dr.kakkar (dermatologist and venereologist). I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.

HIV- RNA PCR is accurate at and beyond 10-14 days after possible exposure and a negative test reliably rules out HIV -1.
A 4th generation HIV screening test is a combination of P24 antigen and anti- HIV antibody test and it reliably rules out HIV- 1 (the most prevalent HIV virus) at 2-4 weeks though you need to repeat this again at 12 weeks in order to reliably rule out HIV 2 (which is anyways very rare, found only in africa) which is detectable only at 12 weeks by an ELISA for Hiv antibody.

Were the sexual contacts protected or unprotected?

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (6 minutes later)

Both incidents did not involve penetration. It was at a strip club where there was dry humping involved. The girl had her underwear on and I had my underwear and pants on. However my penis could of slightly been sticking out of the top of my pants, but I don't remember. I did ejacualte from the dry humping since it was for a long period of time. What are the chances I could contract something from that ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You have No risk of an STD

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

I don't think you have any chances of an STD from this particular incident. STDs are only transmitted through vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected sexual partner.
Dry humping is absoluetly safe.

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 minutes later)

Thank you doctor. One last question. Even though the tip of my penis could have rubbed against her underwear during the dry humping, is there still a chance ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No risk of STD

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

No. Only sexual penetration carries a risk. Not otherwise.

Regards

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