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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Pcr Test Appropriate For Hiv?

hi doctor, i took an injection for fever from a local clinic. The treatment room was very unhygienic and i was about to leave without taking the injection but finally took it. Now i fear whether they might be reusing syringes for their patients and whether i might catch an hiv infection through this . I never had any sort of other exposure. Since the hygienic conditions are not maintained,thats the reason for my fear. Also,i prefer to do a pcr test. After 12 days of exposure ,what is the accuracy for this test?
Tue, 17 Jun 2014
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,

On the basis of the history given by you, I would suggest you to get an ELISA test for HIV infection.
ELISA is a sensitive test for HIV infection.
In case the test turns out to be negative for HIV, it can be repeated after 3 months.
If the test is negative after 3 months also, HIV infection is ruled out for all practical purposes.
If the ELISA turns out to be positive after 3 months, it has to be confirmed with Western blot test.

A positive or reactive test for HIV is treated by certain drugs active against HIV for a month.

The ELISA test is done at ICTC centres free of cost.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
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Is Pcr Test Appropriate For Hiv?

Hello and welcome to HCM, On the basis of the history given by you, I would suggest you to get an ELISA test for HIV infection. ELISA is a sensitive test for HIV infection. In case the test turns out to be negative for HIV, it can be repeated after 3 months. If the test is negative after 3 months also, HIV infection is ruled out for all practical purposes. If the ELISA turns out to be positive after 3 months, it has to be confirmed with Western blot test. A positive or reactive test for HIV is treated by certain drugs active against HIV for a month. The ELISA test is done at ICTC centres free of cost. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja P Wahal