Is HIV PCR RNA Test Conclusive 11 Days Post Exposure?

Posted on Sun, 9 Oct 2016

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

Sun, 9 Oct 2016 Answered on

Thu, 27 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I had protected sex with a hooker and 11 days latter ran a PCR RNA test which was negative. In addition to that, I went for the duo test(4th generation test) at 6 weeks, which also was negative. I just wanted to know, if I can allay myself of all fears and stop worrying?

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are free from HIV 1 infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
HIV PCR can detect the presence of an infection as early as 1 week after the exposure, but the test can be considered conclusive by 3 - 4 weeks after the exposure.
4th generation HIV DUO test has two parts. Antigen detecting part can detect the HIV 1 infection and becomes conclusive by 4 weeks. Antibody part of the test can detect both HIV 1 and 2 infection, but after the window period (12 weeks).
With your test reports, you are free from HIV 1 infection. HIV 1 infection is common throughout the world except in certain parts of XXXXXXX up to the extent of 99.5%.
Dr S Murugan

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

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (41 minutes later)

Hi.
So, no need of further testing right??

My understanding is that 95% of antibodies get produced within the first 4-6 weeks post infection and even if I take longer to produce them, I'd have high levels of Antigens present right? So, invariably, the 4th Generation test would have come positive had I been infected because either of the one (antibody or antigen would have been present). Further, This was a drunken thing and that's why it scared the life out of me. Am I right with my understanding doctor?

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
HIV 1 is ruled out.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
You had not mentioned anything about your sexual activity. If it is just a protected vaginal exposure alone (with oral sex and fingering- risk is low and negligible), there is no need for further testing.
If any other sort of sexual activities were there, the negligible possibility (rarest) of HIV 2 is yet to be ruled out. HIV 2 is rare. Oral sex and other activities carry negligible risk. It is up to you, to decide any test is necessary or not. Protected vaginal exposure alone, then further testing is not necessary. I can say only about the facts. The decision is yours.
Dr S.Murugan

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

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (4 hours later)

Hi sir. There was no kissing or anything else. There was only protected vaginal sex. Apart from that there was absolutely nothing. On the basis of this, can I say that I need no further testing?

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You need no further testing for HIV

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
I mentioned already. In that case you need no further testing for HIV.
Dr S,Murugan

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