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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

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Will The Proviral HIV DNA By PCR Detect Exposure After 28 Days?

I am writing about the Proviral HIV DNA by PCR test. I recently had this test done at 64 days past my potential exposure, along with an Elisa antibodies test. Both came back negative. Can I be confident in this result as valid, and not a false negative? I have read differing opinions of this test, as it applies to my circumstance. Some tout it as very accurate. Some say it is not reliable. Will this test detect the HIV virus, if used at least 28 days after exposure? Again, my test was done at 64 days.
posted on Thu, 13 Mar 2014
Twitter Wed, 3 Sep 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 29 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on
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Dermatologist,  's  Response
Thank you for query.it detects the proviral HIV DNA.it is a sensitive test .But is not approved by the FDA.The negativity does not rule out HIV.So you may have to undergo repeat tests.HIV RNA PCR may be a better test than this for Diagnosis of HIV.You can get back for any clarifications with details.Dr Bharatesh D Basti Dermatologist and venereologist.
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Dermatologist,  Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti's  Response
Thank you for query.Usually DNA PCR is also very sensitive for detection of viral particles at earlier stage.so it should come positive by 28 days or even 68 days.But this test has not been approved by FDA .ELISA can be negative at 64 days.it can be in window period.If you have a doubt about the HIV status of partner then you can go for HIV RNA PCR which is accurate and best at this stage to allay fears of HIV .You can get back for any clarifications with details.Dr Bharatesh D Basti Dermatologist and venereologist.

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HIV AIDS Specialist,  Dr. Matin Ahmad Khan's  Response
You need to get another test @ 90 days of the exposure to be absolutely sure of your status.as these tests pick up HIV with 99.9% certainty @ 90 days of exposure
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Will The Proviral HIV DNA By PCR Detect Exposure After 28 Days?

Thank you for query.it detects the proviral HIV DNA.it is a sensitive test .But is not approved by the FDA.The negativity does not rule out HIV.So you may have to undergo repeat tests.HIV RNA PCR may be a better test than this for Diagnosis of HIV.You can get back for any clarifications with details.Dr Bharatesh D Basti Dermatologist and venereologist.