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How Accurate Is The HIV 1 RNA Test Done At 11 Days?

Posted on Fri, 5 Sep 2014

Question: what is HIV 1 RNA, QL TMA Test?
How much accurate after11 days?

Answered by Dr. Roopa Hiremath (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
HIV RNA Test most sensitive after 11 days

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to health care magic.

HIV 1 RNA QL TMA test is HIV 1 RNA Qualitative Transcription Mediated Amplification PCR.

This test detects HIV 1 RNA which is one of the specific and sensitive tests in early exposure.

Let me explain the multiplication process of HIV virus in the body.

HIV enters the body through small abrasions in the genitalia and reaches the local lymph nodes.

In the local lymph nodes, the virus multiplies for 4-11 days and then gets spilled over in the blood.

So, technically, there is no test which can detect HIV within 4 days of exposure.

The bests tests to detect HIV after 11 days is PCR for HIV RNA/DNA and p24 antigen.

This test will detect HIV RNA and also give the viral load which will aid in therapy.

If HIV 1 RNA, QL TMA test is positive, it has to be confirmed by repeat ELISA or western blot after 12 weeks for HIV 1 antibodies.

If HIV 1 RNA, QL TMA is negative, then person is HIV 1 negative.

I hope have cleared your doubts.

Please get back if any more queries.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Roopa Hiremath (7 hours later)

Thanks a lot doc... to answer me....

I have recently done some test and the result is :-
*****************************************************************
Test Name In Range Out Of Range Reference Range Lab
HIV 1 RNA, QL TMA Not Detected Not Detected AMD
This test was performed using the APTIMA(R) HIV-RNA
Qualitative Assay (Gen-Probe).
HEPATITIS B SURFACE QWA
ANTIGEN W/REFL CONFIRM
HEPATITIS B SURFACE
ANTIGEN NON-REACTIVE NON-REACTIVE
HEPATITIS C ANTIBODY NON-REACTIVE NON-REACTIVE QWA
SIGNAL TO CUT-OFF 0.02 <1.00
HSV 1 IGG, TYPE SPECIFIC QWA
AB HERPESELECT
HSV 1 IGG TYPE SPECIFIC
AB <0.90
Value Interpretation
----- --------------
<0.90 Negative
0.90-1.10 Equivocal
>1.10 Positive
This assay utilizes recombinant type-specific antigens
to differentiate HSV-1 from HSV-2 infections. A
positive result cannot distinguish between recent and
past infection. If recent HSV infection is suspected
but the results are negative or equivocal, the assay
should be repeated in 4-6 weeks. The performance
characteristics of the assay have not been established
for pediatric populations, immunocompromised patients,
or neonatal screening.
HSV 2 IGG, TYPE SPECIFIC QWA
AB HERPESELECT
HSV 2 IGG TYPE SPECIFIC
AB <0.90
Value Interpretation
----- --------------
<0.90 Negative
0.90-1.10 Equivocal
>1.10 Positive
This assay utilizes recombinant type-specific antigens
to differentiate HSV-1 from HSV-2 infections. A
positive result cannot distinguish between recent and
past infection. If recent HSV infection is suspected
but the results are negative or equivocal, the assay
should be repeated in 4-6 weeks. The performance
characteristics of the assay have not been established
for pediatric populations, immunocompromised patients,
or neonatal screening.
HEPATITIS A IGM NON-REACTIVE NON-REACTIVE QWA
PAGE 1 OF 2
Test Name In Range Out Of Range Reference Range Lab
CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS QWA
RNA, TMA NOT DETECTED NOT DETECTED
See Endnote 1
NEISSERIA GONORRHOEAE QWA
RNA, TMA NOT DETECTED NOT DETECTED
See Endnote 1
Endnote 1 This test was performed using the APTIMA COMBO2 Assay
(Gen-Probe Inc.).
The analytical performance characteristics of this
assay, when used to test SurePath specimens have
been determined by Quest Diagnostics.

PAGE 2 OF 2
*************************************************************
Now my Question is :-
1. Please help me to understand the report.. what is the status of my all test? is all Negative?
2. if I am negative(its look like after checking the report but I am not sure) then how accurate are these results specifically "HIV 1 RNA, QL TMA " after 11 days of Exposer.. I mean % wise....? example :- is that 100% confirm I don't have HIV?
3. After this result...Should I need to go further testing's for HIV1 and HIV2 after three months?

4. still two test are pending
a) HIV 1 HIV 2 AB, EIA, WITH REFLEXES
b)RPR (DX) W/REFL TITER AND CONFIRMATORY TESTING
I am planning to do these test after 3 month... so how much chances that I will be positive in these two test after 3 monthly specially if I am already negative in " "HIV 1 RNA, QL TMA " test?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Roopa Hiremath (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
HIV negative but confirm status after three months

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome back.

I appreciate that you have written your detailed result report and I will explain your report in the order you have written it.

The report mentions the procedure used for testing after value interpretation which is causing all the confusion for you.

The final report is as follows:
HIV 1 RNA, QL TMA - HIV 1 negative
Hepatitis B - negative
Hepatitis C - negative
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 - negative
Hepatitis A - negative
Chlamydia - negative
Gonorrhea - negative

Answers to your queries:

1. You have tested negative in all tests done.

2. All the tests are accurate enough and HIV 1 RNA QL TMA is a PCR test which detects as little as 10 nanograms of RNA and is sensitive enough after 11 days of exposure. This result shows you are negative for HIV 1.

3. Better to go for HIV 1 and 2 antibodies after 3 months for final confirmation of HIV status. This repeat test is only for further confirmation and to relieve you of your worry about this episode completely.

4. Least likely chance of you becoming positive for HIV 1 and 2 after three months.
RPR test is done to screen for syphilis which needs to confirmed only if it is positive.

You are free from HIV 1 and other STDs for now.

Please go ahead and get confirmatory tests done after three months as planned.

I would also like to suggest the following in the future:
1. Any sexual intercourse (outside of mutually monogamous HIV antibody-negative relationships) should be protected by a condom.
2. Do not share unsterile needles or syringes.

I hope I have cleared all your doubts.

Please get back if any more queries.

Thanks.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar