Can A Cold Virus Cause A False Positive For An RNA HIV Test?
Posted on Wed, 12 Mar 2014
96992
Question: Can a cold virus, or any virus for that matter, cause a false positive for an RNAHIV test? I haven't taken the test yet, but I plan on taking it today. Should I continue with the test as scheduled? Or should I wait until the potential virus runs its course?
Brief Answer:
Virus interactions with HIV
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
I understand your concern if any virus may interact and give a false positive result for HIV RNA test. My answer is unlikely...
HIV RNA is detected by a test called PCR (Polymerase Chain reaction) which is a very specific test targeted to detect a specific sequence of DNA or RNA. It can detect up to 10 nanogram of DNA or RNA. So there is no possibility of any viral interaction occurring during the test process as the HIV RNA test detects only HIV RNA and no other viral RNA.
Moreover, the test is targeted to detect specific sequences found only in HIV RNA.
I suggest you take the test as scheduled.
I hope I have cleared your doubts.
Please let me know if I can assist you further.
Thanks.
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Can A Cold Virus Cause A False Positive For An RNA HIV Test?
Brief Answer:
Virus interactions with HIV
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
I understand your concern if any virus may interact and give a false positive result for HIV RNA test. My answer is unlikely...
HIV RNA is detected by a test called PCR (Polymerase Chain reaction) which is a very specific test targeted to detect a specific sequence of DNA or RNA. It can detect up to 10 nanogram of DNA or RNA. So there is no possibility of any viral interaction occurring during the test process as the HIV RNA test detects only HIV RNA and no other viral RNA.
Moreover, the test is targeted to detect specific sequences found only in HIV RNA.
I suggest you take the test as scheduled.
I hope I have cleared your doubts.
Please let me know if I can assist you further.
Thanks.