Is A DNA PCR Test After 51 Days Of Exposure Conclusive?

Posted on Sat, 25 Jul 2015

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

Sat, 25 Jul 2015 Answered on

Fri, 14 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : hello doctor,

I had a possible exposure(insertive oral sex about 2 mins) to HIV on 80 days back. On 51 days from exposure I took DNA pcr test where the result came back as not detected. Also on 74th day from the exposure I took tridot test which came back negative. Now I am on my 80th day and is there any possibility for me to contract HIV. Please help.

Answered by Dr. Sheetal Verma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Practically no chances of HIV infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query at HCM.
I understand your concern and situation.

As per your history and reports it is almost 3 months and you are negative. I would like to tell you that you practically have no chances to acquire HIV from your past intercourse now
In 99.9% cases infection is picked up by PCR by 3 months. But I would still advise you to get one more test at 6 months post exposure as per international norms.

Take care
Hope I answered your query.
If no clarification then you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
A review will be appreciated.
Dr Sheetal Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Sheetal Verma (2 hours later)

Hello doctor,

You have mentioned that in 99.9% cases infection is picked up by pcr in 3 months. In some other posts it is mentioned as window period for pcr is 28 days. Could you double confirm the same.

Also the HIV status of the opposite partner is unknown. In case if the opposition partner is HIV negative, do i have chances to contract HIV.

Answered by Dr. Sheetal Verma (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are HIV negative do not worry.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I said by 3 months referring to your case as in your case3 months have passed. Otherwise the hiv PCR is a highly sensitive test which can detect HIV at earliest by 3-4 weeks. In your case you are negative don't worry. Taking tests at 6 months is just routine. If partner is negative chances are extremely rare to contract HIV but due to windows period one cannot be 100% sure. You have no chances of HIV infection now. Taking the test at 6 months is just a routine

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Sheetal Verma (2 days later)

Hello doctor,

Thanks for your reply. Again today I took another Elisa test which is on 82nd day. So shall I believe that my result will not be changed in another 8 days which is 90 days. Also if the opposit partner also tested negative after 90 days from the date of exposure than, shall I believe I am 100% HIV negative.

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Sheetal Verma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes you are correct.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Yes you are right. No risk of HIV infection in your case. No further tests required.
Take care

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj