When Can Virus Be Detected Through RNA Viral Load Test After Exposure?

Posted on Mon, 18 May 2015

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

Mon, 18 May 2015 Answered on

Mon, 8 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Dear Doctor....

For RNA viral load test, how early it can detect the virus after exposure?

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Can detect as early as 4 days post exposure

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Welcome back to Health care magic.
Thank you for query.I am Dr Bharatesh D Basti answering your query.

HIV RNA PCR detects HIV as early as 4 days post exposure.It is usually done after 10- 12 days post exposure for better results.
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank You
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Dermatologist and Venereologist

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

Follow up: Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (26 minutes later)

Dear Doctor

Thank you for your explanation.

Is it the same condition for HIV-RNA viral load test?

Thank you....

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.

Yes it is applicable in HIV RNA PCR test (load test).
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad