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How Accurate Is The HIV-RNA Test 10 Days Post Exposure?
Question: Hi Doctor, I had risky exposure 3 weeks ago.I have taken HIV- RNA test on 11th day(10 days 8 hours) and got negative result.Could you please tell how accurate is the test?I am worried as I am getting rashes near tip of my penis which is disappearing in a day.Do I need to take any test again?Have you seen any HIV RNA test which came out negative on 10th day turn out to be positive later?Also I am getting sudden muscle movements,could this be due to anxiety?
Brief answer..,.chances of HIV in you seems unlikely
Detailed answer...
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
I have read your query and understand your concern.
As far as accuracy of HIV RNA test is concerned,it is very good and reliable test and is 99.9 percent accurate at 9-11 days.
I have not seen anybody coming out positive after a negative RNA test.
Nothing to worry as rashes on penis are disappearing now.
Twitching in muscles is just anxiety only.
As far as a repeat test is concerned, it is not required but to get complete peace of mind you better get a antibody test at the end of 12 weeks of exposure. A negative antibody test at 12 weeks is 100% sure.
But this would bring a sense of anxiety since you have to wait for around 2 1/2 months for that. You can highly reassure you by going for a 4 th generation HIV COMBO ( DUO ) test after 28 days of exposure. Although this test is again around only 99% accurate but a negative combo with a negative RNA PCR would make you almost sure that there is no HIV.
I hope it helps,however you are most welcome to revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks
Detailed answer...
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
I have read your query and understand your concern.
As far as accuracy of HIV RNA test is concerned,it is very good and reliable test and is 99.9 percent accurate at 9-11 days.
I have not seen anybody coming out positive after a negative RNA test.
Nothing to worry as rashes on penis are disappearing now.
Twitching in muscles is just anxiety only.
As far as a repeat test is concerned, it is not required but to get complete peace of mind you better get a antibody test at the end of 12 weeks of exposure. A negative antibody test at 12 weeks is 100% sure.
But this would bring a sense of anxiety since you have to wait for around 2 1/2 months for that. You can highly reassure you by going for a 4 th generation HIV COMBO ( DUO ) test after 28 days of exposure. Although this test is again around only 99% accurate but a negative combo with a negative RNA PCR would make you almost sure that there is no HIV.
I hope it helps,however you are most welcome to revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello,
Although rash can appear on penis in HV infection but in that case you should have associated flu like symptoms like fatigue,sore throat,muscle aches,chills etc.
Your penis rash is not due to HIV.
Thanks
Although rash can appear on penis in HV infection but in that case you should have associated flu like symptoms like fatigue,sore throat,muscle aches,chills etc.
Your penis rash is not due to HIV.
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi Doctor,
So can I be relaxed as RNA report is negative.Could you please advice
So can I be relaxed as RNA report is negative.Could you please advice
Hello,
You should relax absolutely.
There should not be any reason for worry.
Thanks
You should relax absolutely.
There should not be any reason for worry.
Thanks
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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