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Is HIV RNA PCR Test Done 11 Days After Exposure Conclusive?

Posted on Fri, 21 Oct 2016

Question: Hi. I had protected sex with a hooker and there was no exchange of fluids. I was a little worried that the condom may not be 100% effective, so I ran a PCR RNA test after 11 days to check if I had contracted the virus. It returned as a negative result. Given this, can I use the PCR result as a reliable result? Do I have anything to worry about?

Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
not to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Thanks for writing to us. I can understand your concern.

HIV is only transmitted through body fluid only. Without liquid its transmissions is not possible and not reported. There is no exchange of fluid and condom was there. No chance of transmission HIV at all from your history.

You have also undergone very good test which is negative.

Fever is one of the commonest 1st symptoms of HIV. The fever, if it occurs at all, is often accompanied by other usually mild symptoms, such as fatigue, swollen lymph glands, and a sore throat. Other presenting symptom is diarrhea. This is for information.

At present no need to worry at all and continue your life as it is.

In any case if you want check up again you can go for XXXXXXX test at 6 months as it is maximum duration of incubation period for HIV.

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chintan Solanki (7 minutes later)

Thank you so much sir. The PCR RNA is reliable at day 11, right?

Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
reliable but not sensitive

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for for follow up.

PCR RNA test detects Viral load and is sued in 3 days to 4 weeks after exposure. Negative test confirms that there is no viral load. It comes positive only when high chances of infection or symptoms of HIV.

From your history there is no risk. Still I narrated how you should proceed.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chintan Solanki (6 minutes later)

Thank you sir. According to US centre for disease and control, it has 99% sensitivity at day 9 post exposure, which was the reason why I asked. Based on this we can more or less close the case for my situation,right? (Sorry for asking too many questions)

Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes you read it right

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for asking your doubt.

You read it right. But I wanted to say that it is sensitive only when there is chances of infection is high. Means positive results confirms the infection but negative result does not rule out infection always.

Hope you get it.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chintan Solanki (2 minutes later)

Given it has 99% accuracy at day 9, wouldn't it's accuracy only increase on day 11, there by making case crystal clear?

Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes it is clear

Detailed Answer:
Hi yes,

Its sensitivity is higher side up to 4 weeks when possibility of transmission is high.

Your result is of course accurate and showing that there is no infection.

In conclusion at 11 days RNA PCR is negative means no infection.

All the best.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar