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Is Negative HIV RNA Qualitative Test 35 Days After Sexual Encounter Conclusive?
Question: I had unprotected one time sex(condom broken) before 2months. I had tested p24 test at 21st day mark which came Back non reactive and test pcr RNA qualitative at 35 day mark undetectable . how much reliable these tests are? I had small unnoticeable red blotches around my arms?(non itchy). I am having alcohol from these past 2 months to get the sleep? I am testing Elisa now if those negative means will it be conclusion? please answer my each question because my stress levels are at peak
Brief Answer:
Please get HIV 2 antibodies test done after 6 months from exposure
Detailed Answer:
Hi Sathishmitta1987,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. The p24 test is conclusive for HIV 1 virus after 30 days.
2. The PCR RNA test for HIV 1 is also conclusive after a month.
3. However if you are in XXXXXXX then it is important to get tested for HIV 2 antibodies after 6 months.
4. There is no need to have stress. Please take things in a relaxed way and avoid taking alcohol daily.
5. The red blotches on the skin can be from insect bite or allergy. This is unlikely from HIV infection. The ELISA test is usually for antibodies to HIV 1 and HIV 2 virus. You can get it done now and if result is negative then you have to test 6 months after exposure.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Please get HIV 2 antibodies test done after 6 months from exposure
Detailed Answer:
Hi Sathishmitta1987,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. The p24 test is conclusive for HIV 1 virus after 30 days.
2. The PCR RNA test for HIV 1 is also conclusive after a month.
3. However if you are in XXXXXXX then it is important to get tested for HIV 2 antibodies after 6 months.
4. There is no need to have stress. Please take things in a relaxed way and avoid taking alcohol daily.
5. The red blotches on the skin can be from insect bite or allergy. This is unlikely from HIV infection. The ELISA test is usually for antibodies to HIV 1 and HIV 2 virus. You can get it done now and if result is negative then you have to test 6 months after exposure.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
but usually some posts from your websites says that 8 weeks Elisa should be confirmed. or 12 weeks also to be confirmed. I am confused, or misguided.
Brief Answer:
International HIV testing guidelines are changing regularly
Detailed Answer:
Hi Sathishmitta1987,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. Your confusion is understandable. Hope I can clarify some useful points. ELISA is a testing technique process and there can be many conditions and diseases which are tested by ELISA. It is not a single exclusive test. Since most patients have anxiety after doubtful exposure to HIV, therefore earlier ELISA HIV testing was recommended at 3 months and if negative then again after 6 months from exposure.
2. In the US it is usually the HIV 1 virus which causes every HIV infection. Therefore they test only for HIV 1 virus in blood sample. Recently the rapid fourth generation test has been recommended to be conclusive after 30 days from exposure in the US. This test is for HIV 1 and HIV 2 antibodies and p24 antigen.
3. The p24 antigen is found only in HIV 1 virus and not on the HIV 2 virus. In XXXXXXX 2 percent of HIV infection is from HIV 2 virus and therefore I recommended that you get tested for HIV 2 antibodies after maximum window period, which is 6 months. There is no other conclusive test for HIV 2 virus.
The opinions of every doctor is their own and we try to update ourselves with latest information all the time. Therefore some answers can differ between doctor.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
International HIV testing guidelines are changing regularly
Detailed Answer:
Hi Sathishmitta1987,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. Your confusion is understandable. Hope I can clarify some useful points. ELISA is a testing technique process and there can be many conditions and diseases which are tested by ELISA. It is not a single exclusive test. Since most patients have anxiety after doubtful exposure to HIV, therefore earlier ELISA HIV testing was recommended at 3 months and if negative then again after 6 months from exposure.
2. In the US it is usually the HIV 1 virus which causes every HIV infection. Therefore they test only for HIV 1 virus in blood sample. Recently the rapid fourth generation test has been recommended to be conclusive after 30 days from exposure in the US. This test is for HIV 1 and HIV 2 antibodies and p24 antigen.
3. The p24 antigen is found only in HIV 1 virus and not on the HIV 2 virus. In XXXXXXX 2 percent of HIV infection is from HIV 2 virus and therefore I recommended that you get tested for HIV 2 antibodies after maximum window period, which is 6 months. There is no other conclusive test for HIV 2 virus.
The opinions of every doctor is their own and we try to update ourselves with latest information all the time. Therefore some answers can differ between doctor.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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