What Does This RNA Quantitative PCR Test Result Indicate?

Posted on Fri, 17 Oct 2014

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

Fri, 17 Oct 2014 Answered on

Mon, 3 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I had oral sex with sex worker on 12th July,2014.i got bitten on my glans penis and after few days I had rashes and pus coming from inside the foreskin of penis.I visited the doctor and he gave me azithromycin and Neosporin ointment to apply on penis.The doctor also advised for Hiv1 & 2 &p24 antigen tests,along with Vdrl test. i got tested for Hiv1 & 2 & p24 antigen and Vdrl test on 3rd August,2014 which was negative.I had same test again on 18th August,2014 which was also negative.But as I felt insecure so I got tested for RNA Quantitative PCR on 19th September,2014,which shows results as "Target not detected".I want to know whether I should feel secure that I do not have HIV? Or should I follow up with another test?

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Negative for HIV.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for query. I am Dr Bharatesh D Basti answering your query.

I have gone through the details given by you.

Once the tests like PCR and antigen tests have come negative at the time given. You are negative for HIV and you can totally allay fears of HIV. I do not see the need for another test.
You can get back for any clarification.

Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Dermatologist and venereologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (22 minutes later)

I am having pain in my finger joints,both in hands and feet.Also,I feel lethargic most of time.Is there any need to worry about having Hiv?

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry about HIV.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for follow up query

All these are non specific symptoms and are not related to HIV. It may be due to anxiety and not taking proper diet.

You take balanced diet and allay fears of HIV. Get involved in activities you like.
You can get back for any clarification else close the discussion and rate.

Thank you
Dr Bharatesh

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (17 minutes later)

I have heard that Hiv do not shows up in tests before 3 months from contracting it.I had all the tests done at Dr.Lalpath Laboratories at the inerval of 21and 37 days for Hiv1 & 2 & p24 antigen combined.RNA Quantitative PCR was done after 69 days gap.Are these tests all conclusive?

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
antigen and pcr are conclusive.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
Antibodies test may take 3 months to come positive .
But the antigen and pcr tests are negative and is conclusive after 2 weeks of exposure.so you can allay fear of HIV
You can get back for any clarification
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari