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Is HIV RNA Qualitative Test Done 24 Days After Exposure Conclusive?

Posted on Thu, 7 Jan 2016

Question: Dear Doctor,

I had a potential exposure and then 24 days after I got a HIV RNA Qualitative test. The result is negative. However, I heard from Internet that "It can only demonstrate negative result in this experiment (this time), but not diagnostic", is that true? Is it possible that the viral load is too low for detection?
I forgot to include the exposure detail: It's a unproteced oral sex and protected intercourse sex. Also, nipple being sucked.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Retest in 3 months time to be more sure

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

Ac anti-HIV duo serum ECLIA, which is a 4th generation test for detection of HIV. It detects HIV antigens in addition to antibodies against HIV proteins.
It is considered conclusive if its negative after 6 weeks of potential exposure.
Just to be on the safe side, many physicians advise retesting in 3 months. At 3 months, accuracy of this test is 99.9 %.

It can take up to 12 weeks for enough antibodies to be made to detect HIV infection. It is known as the window period. As you have got a negative rapid detection test result , it would be preferable to get re-tested in 3 months time to be more sure.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

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Dr. M.S. Khalil

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (25 hours later)

Dr. XXXXXXX

I am clear now. You must mean RNA qualitative is not effective at all, even 3-4 weeks after exposure. It really waste money but doesn't work. I will turn to antibody test as you instructed, and will not hook up any girl in future.

Thank you again!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Most welcome

Detailed Answer:
Yes, Better safe than worry.

You are most welcome.

Hope I have answered your query.
If you have any further questions I will be happy to help If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.

Thanks

Dr. M.S. Khalil

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