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Is HIV RNA Test Done 11 Days Post Exposure Conclusive?

Posted on Mon, 8 Aug 2016

Question: I have had unprotected sex, 2 days later my glands in my neck began to swell. I went for an HIV RNA test 11 days after the encounter. In the meanwhile I have devoted other symptoms and not sure what this could be. I have dry mouth, a slight fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, arms where they bend, armpits, and groin. I have muscle and joint pains, I have discomfort in my chest on the left side, especially while sitting or taking in a deep breath. My kidneys feel like they are swollen, I have had heat rashes and my skin on my legs feels itchy and a slight burning feeling. My RNA test came back negative. I went today, day 17 since the encounter for a full 10 panel std test. My question is how reliable is the RNA test at day 11 of infection?

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is almost 90% reliable.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Welcome to HCM.

You had unprotected sex but you had not mentioned about your partner status. If it is unknown then the risk is considered very less. HIV RNA test at 11 days after the exposure is 90% reliable but accuracy increases more after 2 weeks.

The symptoms you had mentioned are very typical of common viral illness but not related to HIV. Consult your physician and follow the treatment regime for the same. Don't get worried or feared as the risk is practically nil.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (16 minutes later)

Thank you. Yes the other person's status is unknown. I feel a little ether knowing that the test is 90% accurate at 11days. Either way I have just taken the 10 panel test and will know the answer in about 5 days. I will then certainly speak with a health care physician regarding the results. I was just nervous that it could have produced a false negative.
Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The possibility of false positive is very rare.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Welcome back and thanks for follow-up.

If the partner status is unknown then the risk is too low as well as the possibility of false negative. You need not to worry, wait for panel test result and get consultation with physician for your symptoms.

Thank You

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad