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Is PCR RNA Test Result After 10 Days Of Exposure Reliable?

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Posted on Wed, 17 Dec 2014
Question: Hi Doc,

Just want to understand the reliability of PCR RNA test for HIV on 10th day after risky exposure.

The doctor i visited here mentions that it is conclusive. Is that correct??

I have had a one off risky exposure with a sex worker through vaginal sex. Im not circumcised.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (9 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
99% sensitive for hiv1.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for query.I am Dr Bharatesh D Basti answering your query.
Hiv1 pcr is sensitive > 99% by 10 days .so it is almost conclusive .It does not detect HIV 2.So to be conclusive you may have to go for test after 3 months to relieve your anxiety.But HIV2 is very rare.
So you can allay fears of HIV.
The other tests hbv and hcv are negative is also good sign.
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Dermatologist and venereologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (11 minutes later)
Thank you Doctor.

Thanks a lot for the prompt reply.

There is a lot of confusion over the internet on the "window period" associated with the pcr tests. Can you please throw some light on that.

Another concern i have is that when i first got tested for STDs at 10th day - nothing was positive. However, a couple of days back, i have given my urine for test again and came to know that Mycoplasma hominis is detected (No option in the website to attach the reports now)

My question is... any reason why it was not picked during the first test at 10 days but has been picked at 30 day interval.

Second question is.. through the internet i came to know that it is an opportunistic infection especially among HIV+ patients. Hence my worry.

Please advise me on the same.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
It is normal flora in many sexually active persons

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
I have gone through the additional reports attached.
It is clear in these reports that HIV 2 is negative.
I would rate pcr as sensitive after 10 days exposure.So you are negative for HIV.You can go for antibodies test after 3 months just to relieve your anxiety.
Mycoplasma hominis is many times found in women and men without any symptoms in healthy individuals like a parasite.It may be transmitted from the partner. It is sometimes missed in early phase.It is not always associated with HIV or immunosuppressed individual.
You may take a course of antibiotics after consultation with your treating doctor.
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (1 hour later)
Thank you once again doctor!

Feeling a bit relieved now!

As you rightly said, I am going through a bit of anxiety currently and hence trying to know if the tests are truly conclusive.

As an expert in the field, would you suggest any other tests to confirm? (Please ignore my anxiety. Just want to know only on scientific grounds)

If the answer is no and PCR itself is conclusive enough at 10 days, i would probably move on with that one off risky incident and stop thinking about it.

If yes, then can you please let me know what test can i approach at current window period (i am at 30 day mark).

Please let me know doctor!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (31 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Repeat hiv1&2 PCR &/or Duo test.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
You can again go for HIV RNA PCR 1& 2. Or You can also go for DUO test which detects P24 antigen and antibodies to HIV 1&2 at this stage if you desire to relieve your anxiety.
These will reinforce result and can add to your anxiety reliever.
But still the final conclusive will be after 3 months for antibodies.
You can get back for any clarification
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh Basti
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti

Dermatologist

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 1764 Questions

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Is PCR RNA Test Result After 10 Days Of Exposure Reliable?

Brief Answer: 99% sensitive for hiv1. Detailed Answer: Hi Thank you for query.I am Dr Bharatesh D Basti answering your query. Hiv1 pcr is sensitive > 99% by 10 days .so it is almost conclusive .It does not detect HIV 2.So to be conclusive you may have to go for test after 3 months to relieve your anxiety.But HIV2 is very rare. So you can allay fears of HIV. The other tests hbv and hcv are negative is also good sign. You can get back for any clarification. Thank you Dr Bharatesh D Basti Dermatologist and venereologist