HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

How Accurate Is The HIV RNA Test 45 Days Post Exposure?

default
Posted on Wed, 5 Aug 2015
Question: What is accuracy for a HIV negative result of a HIV RNA test after 45 days of exposure?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sheetal Verma (31 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Its sensitivity is 99.89%. But a retest advised.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for your query at HCM.
I understand your concern and situation.

The window period for the PCR DNA test is 2-3 weeks of exposure. So this test can be taken between 2-3weeks after sexual encounter. A confirmatory test may be taken only if your PCR DNA test result is positive. If it comes back negative, you may re-test at the 3 month mark for conclusive results. In your case 45 days have passed at this stage the accuracy is 99.89%. International guidelines state that an HIV test is considered definite and conclusive when taken 3 months after an exposure. Therefore I suggest that you must again get an HIV 4 th generation ELISA test after12 weeks which is 99.9% sensitive. But you will again need to take a test at 6 months to rule out any possibility of HIV infection.

Hope I answered your query
If no clarification then you can close the discussion and rate the answer. A review will be appreciated.
Dr Sheetal Verma
Note: Get personalized answers to your HIV related queries You can choose to talk face to face with your doctor. Book a Video Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sheetal Verma

Infectious Diseases Specialist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 635 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
How Accurate Is The HIV RNA Test 45 Days Post Exposure?

Brief Answer: Its sensitivity is 99.89%. But a retest advised. Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for your query at HCM. I understand your concern and situation. The window period for the PCR DNA test is 2-3 weeks of exposure. So this test can be taken between 2-3weeks after sexual encounter. A confirmatory test may be taken only if your PCR DNA test result is positive. If it comes back negative, you may re-test at the 3 month mark for conclusive results. In your case 45 days have passed at this stage the accuracy is 99.89%. International guidelines state that an HIV test is considered definite and conclusive when taken 3 months after an exposure. Therefore I suggest that you must again get an HIV 4 th generation ELISA test after12 weeks which is 99.9% sensitive. But you will again need to take a test at 6 months to rule out any possibility of HIV infection. Hope I answered your query If no clarification then you can close the discussion and rate the answer. A review will be appreciated. Dr Sheetal Verma