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What Does This HIV RNA PCR Test Result Indicate?

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Posted on Fri, 20 May 2016
Question: Dear Doctor,

I communicated with you already in another query regarding my hiv test results which i took 14 months after risky exposure,you have explained me well, but still I have few doubts about my HIV-1 RNA PCR QUALITATIVE result.

Please see attached reports for your review, especially have a look on hiv1 rna pcr qualitative result.

1.My HIV-1 PCR rna qualitative result is ' NOT DETCTABLE'( I see from interpretation part 'NOT DETECTABLE' means absence of hiv-1 infection or sample is having less than 20copies),what does mean POSITIVE or NEGATIVE?

2.I see many other labs are mentioning 'NOT DETECTED' for negative hiv rna pcr qualtive results,why this lab has mentioned 'NOT DETECTABLE' instead of 'NOT DETECTED'?(pls note my hiv-2 rna pcr qualitative result mentioned-NOT DETECTED) anything is there technically behind on this 'NOT DETECTABLE' result?

3.Even if I take a child(unexposed to HIV) to this lab for this hiv-1 rna pcr qualitative test , what result i can expect whether 'NOT DETECTABLE' or 'NOT DETECTED'?

4.I used to see NOT DETECTABLE result for HIV-1 RNA PCR QUANITATIVE test, not on QULAITATIVE test (as per my knowledge). do you see any other labs are mentioning 'NOT DETECTABLE' for qualitative hiv-1 rna pcr test result if patient is hiv negative status?

5.there is any difference between this two words 'NOT DETECTABLE' and 'NOT DETECTED' on HIV-1 pcr rna qualitive test ?

6. Finally based on my report please let me know my HIV-1 RNA PCR Qualitative test indicates POSITIVE or NEGATIVE result?

Please doctor explain me in details regarding my hiv-1 rna pcr qualitative result.

Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You are free from HIV and 2 beyond any doubt

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome once again to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
Your western blot nonreactive for HIV.
4th generation COMBO test for HIV in also nonreactive an year after risk activity.
These tests themseves were enough to rule out HIV 1 and 2 infection almost 100% sure.
Underectable and Undetected are used in the same meaning. Companies marketting these PCR test are using a slight different terminology. Both tests were qualitative PCR and useful for diagnostic purpose. They are highly reliable. The results confirmed once again that there you are free from HIV 1 and 2 infection. They indicate negative as far as HIV infection is concerned. Even if a child not exposed to HIV, tested with these tests the same report would be given. It carries same meaning.
Dr S.Murugan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (3 hours later)

Thanks Dr for your valuable answers,

Now I am clear about my pcr rna qualitative test result which indicates NEGATIVE.

I have been taking so many hiv tests Since my exposure, my exposure exactly 16 months before from now, all my tests were negative results except one rapid hiv test which I took in east XXXXXXX

I am living in east XXXXXXX after 12 months from exposure ,I went for rapid hiv test ,I was in lab when lab technician was performing Determine rapid antibody test, after putting my blood on strip he was looking for buffer solution, by mistake he used UNIGOLD (different brand) chase buffer solution on Determine strip, the result was weakly positive(slightly visible patient line and clear visible control line), I told him about different brand buffer he used, immediately the same time he repeated the tests( determine and Unigold) with right buffer solutions, i got negative results.

1.here I am worrying about two things ,i have persistent symptoms till today after 3 months from exposure, like slightly white coating tongue and acne type rashes on my back, which i never had before my exposure.

2.my second concern about weakly positive result which I got, there is any chance due to different brand buffer I got that result?

2.Generally can lab use one brand buffer on different brand strip? if yes is it bring accurate result?

my last tests as below,

14months after exposure - western blot,P24antigen,HIV duo- all non reactive
hiv 1&2 PCR rna qualitaiitive- all negative.
all other stds were neagative(syphilis,HBV,HCV,hsv1&2)
15months after exposure- HIV duo-negative,
HIV-1 rna quantitative- Target not detected.
16months after exposure- HIV rapid test (sd bioline)- negative.

4.Doctor after going through my complete history, symptoms currently which i have and test results(including weakly positive) in different intervals, can you conclude my hiv status?

5. I am newly married two months before, without any doubt about hiv, can i have unprotected sex with my life?

6.Do i need to repeat my hiv tests in future?

Thanks doctor for your time.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
No more test for HIV is necessary.Symptoms not related to HIV.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
White Coating of tongue and acneform eruptions can be present in many conditions other than HIV. All white coating of tongue are not due to HIV, It can occur in typhoid and other toxic syndroms. Likewise acneform eruptions also can occur due to drugs or hormonal imbalance. Moreover a physician has to examine these lesions and verify the status of these lesions.
Human error is possible in any lab investigations (Technical, labelling and interpreting). We have across many instance.
Regarding the change of buffer solution and the false positive results, you better consult a micobiologist or virologist or a lab expert.
I already assured that you are free from HIV beyond any doubt. It had been confirmed with mutiple highly reliable tests.
You can resume normal sexual activities with your wife without any hesitancy.
No need for further HIV test for you.
Dr S.Murugan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (15 hours later)

Dear Doctor,

Many thanks for your answers.

You were clearly explained about my doubts,

I see so many information's in internet regarding hiv testing, but I realize now that specialists like you only can provide right information based on exposure, history and results.

1.after taking so many advance hiv tests ,Can I ignore my false positive rapid test?(due to different buffer used or something else).

2.you have advised me to inquire about false positive rapid test result with microbiologist or lab expert , is it necessary?

3.Do you think this is enough time (14months) to detect antibodies,antigen and virus?here there is any remote chance for my hiv neagative status to change positive in future without any new exposure?

4.pls may I know normal cd4/cd ratio for hiv negative person, male?

5.Now I am taking below medicines for acne treatment for two months,

Doxiem(Doxycycline hyclate),
Allerpar(chlorpheniramine malete,calcium gluonate with vitamin C)
Biona-E(Biotin,N-acetyl cysteine,vitamin and minerals)
Clindamycin phosphate topical solution applying on body

Can I plan for child while i am taking above mentioned medicines? they will alter anything in my sperm? this medicines will affect baby health if my wife gets pregnancy on this time?

Thank you.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Just ignore the onetime false positive result.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
1. Ignore the false positive HIV test report as the tests done during January 2016 are more latest and more reliable.
2. Not necessary to reconfirm with a lab specialist about that result
3. 3 moths are more than sufficient. Anything more than that are extra bonus and more sure.
4. CD 4 count above 500 cells/ cubic mm, more than 25% are normal for an individual without immune defficiency. RATIO should remain more than 0.7-0.8.
5. These drugs will not affect your sperm count. Bio E and Calcium guconate and Vitamin C will improve the quality of your semen.
Dr S.Murugan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (23 hours later)

Thanks doctor for your answers,

I am closing the discussion here, Finally I need to know from you,

1.there is any chance my hiv negative status will change in future without any new exposure?

2.My hiv results are 100% conclusive? can I plan for a child without hiv fear?

3.do I need to take any hiv tests in future?

Thanks doctor for your answers and time.


doctor
Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
No more test for HIV is necessary for you without a fresh exposure

Detailed Answer:
Hi, Welcome back.
There is no possibility for the HIV test to become reactive in future for you without a fresh unprotected exposure with an unknown person.
You can have child without any fear about HIV.
Regarding HSV infection none of the test is 100% foolproof. Reliable to the extent of 90%. Supports the clinical findings. That is all. History and clinical finding is important, that could be supported by blood investigation.
You need no further test for HIV in future as long as you don't have any fresh exposure. Relax and enjoy the life.
Dr S Murugan
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan

HIV AIDS Specialist

Practicing since :1974

Answered : 3110 Questions

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What Does This HIV RNA PCR Test Result Indicate?

Brief Answer: You are free from HIV and 2 beyond any doubt Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome once again to HCM. Thanks for posting your query. Your western blot nonreactive for HIV. 4th generation COMBO test for HIV in also nonreactive an year after risk activity. These tests themseves were enough to rule out HIV 1 and 2 infection almost 100% sure. Underectable and Undetected are used in the same meaning. Companies marketting these PCR test are using a slight different terminology. Both tests were qualitative PCR and useful for diagnostic purpose. They are highly reliable. The results confirmed once again that there you are free from HIV 1 and 2 infection. They indicate negative as far as HIV infection is concerned. Even if a child not exposed to HIV, tested with these tests the same report would be given. It carries same meaning. Dr S.Murugan