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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Diagnose HIV?

I went for HIV RNA One time PCR test exactly on 14th day after possible exposure and test result was negative. Again exactly after 12 weeks I went for Rapid Screening test and test result was again negative. However I had a sore throat and tonsillitis after 2 months of possible exposure which made me worried. Doctor please tell me are there any chances getting infected and should I go for any other test?
Mon, 3 May 2021
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

No laboratory test can detect HIV infection, during the window period (Time between exposure and presence of positive result). This window period may vary with various types of test. NAT test can tell a positive result, after 10-33 days of exposure. Antigen / antibody test can detect a positive result 18-45 days after exposure.

Though, HIV RNA one time PCR test done after 14 days, may not be conclusive, still antigen / antibody screening test after 12 weeks (84 days) is almost conclusively correct and hence negative. However, to be pretty sure, If the results of both tests are taken together, then results are 99% specific.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Satnarain Bansal, General & Family Physician
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How To Diagnose HIV?

Hi, No laboratory test can detect HIV infection, during the window period (Time between exposure and presence of positive result). This window period may vary with various types of test. NAT test can tell a positive result, after 10-33 days of exposure. Antigen / antibody test can detect a positive result 18-45 days after exposure. Though, HIV RNA one time PCR test done after 14 days, may not be conclusive, still antigen / antibody screening test after 12 weeks (84 days) is almost conclusively correct and hence negative. However, to be pretty sure, If the results of both tests are taken together, then results are 99% specific. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Satnarain Bansal, General & Family Physician