Is HIV RNA Test After 13 Days Of Exposure Conclusive?

Posted on Sat, 7 Feb 2015

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

Sat, 7 Feb 2015 Answered on

Wed, 11 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello,
I had an hiv rna test done because of an encounter with someone of an unknown status . I had this done 13 days after encounter. Was this done too soon? Is there any other test I can take that doesn't require long waiting and early detection?

Answered by Dr. Vidya KR (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Minimum 6 weeks to detect HI. antibodies

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I went through your query and understood your concerns.

Yes, 13 days after exposure is too early to test for HIV.
Usual test detect antibody levels, which will take 6 weeks to reach detectable level in blood, in few individual may take 6 months .
we also have antigen detection test which can detect little early than antibody test 15 - 20 days earlier than antibody test.

Hope I answered your query. Feel free to ask further related query.

Wish you a good health.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T