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Is A HIV RNA Test Done Post 9 Days Of Exposure Conclusive?

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Posted on Sat, 14 May 2016
Question: Hi Dr. S. XXXXXXX

I sincerely appreciate your response to my question and I feel much at ease after reading your assessment. However I would really like to know about the reliability of HIV RNA test at 9 days post exposure (counting the day of exposure as Day 0).

Please do let me know of the same, it will be a great help in fighting with my paranoia and trauma.

Regards
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
You are free from HIV 1 infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome once again to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
HIV RNA PCR Qualitative test is highly specific and sensitive. It can detect the presence of virus as early as 1 week after the encounter in the presence of an infection. But PCR test can be considered more conclusive 3-4 weeks after the exposure.
You had the 4th generation test after 4 weeks and that also came nonreactive. P24 antigen part of this test is equally sensitive and reliable and can be considered conclusive by 4 weeks. As it came negative for you, so you are free from HIV 1 infection. Nothing to worry.
Dr S.Murugan
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan

HIV AIDS Specialist

Practicing since :1974

Answered : 3112 Questions

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Is A HIV RNA Test Done Post 9 Days Of Exposure Conclusive?

Brief Answer: You are free from HIV 1 infection Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome once again to HCM. Thanks for posting your query. HIV RNA PCR Qualitative test is highly specific and sensitive. It can detect the presence of virus as early as 1 week after the encounter in the presence of an infection. But PCR test can be considered more conclusive 3-4 weeks after the exposure. You had the 4th generation test after 4 weeks and that also came nonreactive. P24 antigen part of this test is equally sensitive and reliable and can be considered conclusive by 4 weeks. As it came negative for you, so you are free from HIV 1 infection. Nothing to worry. Dr S.Murugan