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Is RNA PCR Test Done Post 2 Weeks Of Exposure Conclusive?
Question: Hi Doctor
i hope you remember me from previous questions, i was and still are the very paranoid guy with an incident in kiev.
im back home now and im trying to deal with stress, yesterday i went for a hiv test.
i know at least that previous to the kiev incident i was clean.
you, my psycologist and now my counselor had advice me to had an RNA PCR, or viral load test to diagnose the probablity.
i know that this is me asking for to much and that i cant be certain until 3 months, but also everybody has agree that my risk of infections is pretty low, if not nil.
what i wanted to ask you is at 2 weeks the RNA PCR viral load test or whatever the name is, is it accurate to determine if i got infected.
i know this is a bit more pricey, but i also think its more accurate.
my counselor even advice me against it, that is an unnecessary expense,
you told me to wait 1 month,
do you still believe i have to wait 1 month for more acurate results.
and should i combine it with a regular ELISA or 4 gen test?
i hope you remember me from previous questions, i was and still are the very paranoid guy with an incident in kiev.
im back home now and im trying to deal with stress, yesterday i went for a hiv test.
i know at least that previous to the kiev incident i was clean.
you, my psycologist and now my counselor had advice me to had an RNA PCR, or viral load test to diagnose the probablity.
i know that this is me asking for to much and that i cant be certain until 3 months, but also everybody has agree that my risk of infections is pretty low, if not nil.
what i wanted to ask you is at 2 weeks the RNA PCR viral load test or whatever the name is, is it accurate to determine if i got infected.
i know this is a bit more pricey, but i also think its more accurate.
my counselor even advice me against it, that is an unnecessary expense,
you told me to wait 1 month,
do you still believe i have to wait 1 month for more acurate results.
and should i combine it with a regular ELISA or 4 gen test?
Brief Answer:
Go for 4th generation test along with RNA PCR.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Welcome to HCM once again.
I clearly understand your situation and the reason why you are so paranoid but the risk is definitely low or practically nil in your case so don't get feared or bothered about HIV.
RNA PCR test is accurate at 2 weeks and able to detect the infection if any would be present but at the same time it is very costly also and as your counselor told it is an unnecessary expense to do at 15 days.
I will suggest you again to wait for one month and then go for RNA PCR along with 4th generation HIV Duos test to get more reliable and accurate result.
Forget about the incidence and try to focus on work along with family. Avoid excessive stress or tension and don't think too much. For any further query get back to me again.
Thank You
Go for 4th generation test along with RNA PCR.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Welcome to HCM once again.
I clearly understand your situation and the reason why you are so paranoid but the risk is definitely low or practically nil in your case so don't get feared or bothered about HIV.
RNA PCR test is accurate at 2 weeks and able to detect the infection if any would be present but at the same time it is very costly also and as your counselor told it is an unnecessary expense to do at 15 days.
I will suggest you again to wait for one month and then go for RNA PCR along with 4th generation HIV Duos test to get more reliable and accurate result.
Forget about the incidence and try to focus on work along with family. Avoid excessive stress or tension and don't think too much. For any further query get back to me again.
Thank You
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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