What Does This Latest RNA PCR Test Result Indicate?

Posted on Fri, 19 Sep 2014

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

Fri, 19 Sep 2014 Answered on

Tue, 7 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I had protected sex with an SW using condom. Following some mild headaches & muscle pain I had did HIV DUO 4th generation at 11th day & RNA PCR Qualitative at 13 day after exposure, Both the results are negative. Do i have to do more tests ? Please advice me

Also attached the latest RNA PCR test results. I am very tensed now. Please help

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Allay the fears of HIV.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank You for query.I am Dr Bharatesh D Basti answering.
The chance of HIV infection by vaginal intercourse is 1/200 to 1/2000 even with an infected partner. Here in your case as it was protected, the chances are almost nil. So you can allay fear of HIV here only.

The RNA PCR is conclusive by 13 th day for HIV-1 and it is most common . So you can allay fears of HIV. HIV 2 is rare in XXXXXXX and do not worry.
Duo requires time to be conclusive and it is negative also.
So you can allay fears of HIV totally .

You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh
Dermatologist and venereologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (18 minutes later)

Thank you Doctor.

Can i again do HIV DUO 4th Gen test again at 28 days ? since my RNA PCR was only for HIV-1 , Please advice

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
can go for duo test to relive your anxiety.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
As I said you are at no risk. You have negative test results by pcr. you can allay fears.
You can go ahead with Duo test after 28 days to remove your anxiety.
You can get back for any clarification, else close the discussion and rate.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (18 minutes later)

Thank you Doctor,
I have read on lots of sites about RNA PCR & each of them have different window periods for the test. Scientifically what is the time frame under which RNA PCR can detect HIV in blood after potential exposure ?
I am very much confused now & i had did my RNA PCR after 13 days.

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
after 10 days usually

Detailed Answer:
Hi
RNA PCR can detect hiv material as early as 3-4 days of infection but usually they accept minimum days as at least 10 days post exposure. They remain positive forever once appears in blood.
So it is viral genetic material.
So you have done at 13 days so you can be sure of negativity.

Thank you
Dr Bharatesh

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E