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Can12 Day RNA PCR Test Give Accurate Result For HIV?

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Posted on Tue, 11 Feb 2014
Question: I had protected sex on 25/12/2013. But during intercourse (which lasted for only 30 seconds or less) i lost erection and withdrawned my penis, but then i realised that condom was slipped during those 30 seconds. On 12th day after the incident I did HIV Duo including p24 antigen (4th Gen) and HIV-1 RNA Qualitative by Real Time PCR. The Duo test result came back negative the very same day. And RNA PCR came back as Not Detected after 4 days. The doctor told the detection limit was 20 copies/ml and is very accurate. The details of that test are given below. My Query is "Can i consider my 12 day RNA PCR test as conclusive. And how much % accurate it is at 12th day" HIV-1 RNA Qualitative by Real Time PCR - Not Detected Clinical Background: The qualitative HIV RNA tests use a process called reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). This type of qualitative test reports whether HIV is present in the bloodstream or not. The result is reported as either "detected" or "not detected.” If a qualitative RNA test is positive (detected), then it is confirmed that the patient if infected with HIV. The "qualitative" test is more accurate than the "quantitative" test because qualitative tests are able to detect very low levels of the virus. If a patient has a quantitative test that shows no detectable virus, but has a positive result with the qualitative test, it means there is a very low level of virus that can be detected only with the qualitative test. Note: * This test is performed in CAP/ISO 15189:2007 accredited collaborating laboratory.
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Answered by Dr. Rhea Chanda (3 hours later)
Brief Answer: negative test Detailed Answer: Hello The PCR tests is very accurate these days if done before the window period . In your case i would say that you tested before you went into the window period . If your test is showing negative / not detected then you can be assured that you are not infected . PCR isalmost 95% accurate . With the history you have given ( you did not ejaculate )and the tests result you can be rest assured that are not infected from this episode .
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Rhea Chanda (2 minutes later)
Thank you for your below reply. But can u pls elaborate on window period you mentioned. What is the window period for pcr rna test. What you meant by testing before window period. Best regards
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rhea Chanda (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: window period Detailed Answer: HIV infection like most infections , has a window period during which virus may not be detectable in the blood . Testing during this phase may show a false negative result you. Hence testing should always be done outside the window period. In HIV infection this phase may be between 2 weeks to 3 months .
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Rhea Chanda

OBGYN

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3161 Questions

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Can12 Day RNA PCR Test Give Accurate Result For HIV?

Brief Answer: negative test Detailed Answer: Hello The PCR tests is very accurate these days if done before the window period . In your case i would say that you tested before you went into the window period . If your test is showing negative / not detected then you can be assured that you are not infected . PCR isalmost 95% accurate . With the history you have given ( you did not ejaculate )and the tests result you can be rest assured that are not infected from this episode .