Is Negative RNA PCR HIV Test After 16 Days Of Possible Exposure Conclusive?

Posted on Sun, 11 Oct 2015

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

Sun, 11 Oct 2015 Answered on

Wed, 28 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Recently I took a RNA PCR test for HIV due to a moderate risk encounter with somebody of unknown status. I took it 16 days after the episode and it is negative. I realize this was sort of on the earlier side but can I trust this result? Should I take another test soon? Thanks

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No further testing is required

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to healthcare-magic
Greetings of the day

Dear Ms

RNA PCR is quite sensitive, negative test 48 hours after exposure certainly rules out HIV infection. As you have done the test after 16 days, negative test rules out HIV infection. No further testing is required.

Take Care

Best Regards
Dr Shobha Deepak

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

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (2 hours later)

Thank you! Ive just read some conflicting info on the internet that you should wait atleast 21-28 days for something definitive. Not the case?

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No further testing is required

Detailed Answer:
Dear Ms

The waiting period is for test which detect antibody level in the blood which require latent time for formation. The test like RNA PCR which detects RNA directly does not require lag time.
Rest be assured there is no need for further testing

Take Care

Best Regards
Dr Shobha

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