Is HIV DNA PCR Test Done After 10 Days Of Exposure Conclusive?

Posted on Thu, 3 Mar 2016

Question: I had an hiv dna pcr test 10 days after exposure came back undectable does it cover prior exposure to the 10 days and is it conclusive that i am hiv negative?

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
HIV DNA PCR test after 10 days is reliable and accurate but not conclusive.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Welcome to HCM.

HIV DNA PCR can detect HIV infection even after one week so it is reliable and accurate after 10 days but not considered as conclusive because if sometimes low antigen level will take more time to be detectable.

This test will definitely cover your present as well as past exposure of 4 weeks or more than that so no need to worry as the risk is very less and get tested again after one month to be conclusive about your status.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (4 hours later)

Im at 72 days since my last possible exposure to hiv can i take any antibody test to follow up my pcr dna results

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can go for antibody test after 90 days of last possible exposure.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Welcome back once again.

As such no further test for HIV is required because if HIV DNA PCR is negative then you are free from infection. You can go for antibody test after 90 days of possible last exposure to be 100% conclusive.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (2 days later)

I took a oraquick home test with oral swab at 10 weeks after exposure it was negative is it safe to say im hiv negative

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The antibody test after 10 weeks is highly reliable and accurate.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

The oraquick antibody test after 10 weeks is highly reliable and accurate but still it is to be repeated at 3 months after exposure to be 100% conclusive as per international HIV guidelines so don't worry and get tested as the risk is almost negligible.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (2 days later)

What is the difference between an hiv dna test and an rna test

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
HIV DNA and RNA both are best methods for early detection of HIV infection.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Welcome back once again.

HIV DNA is measured in peripheral blood mono nuclear cells and HIV RNA is in the plasma nothing else and both the methods are highly sensitive and specific for the early detection of HIV infection so don't get worried or tensed.

Thank You

Note: Get personalized answers to your HIV related queries You can choose to talk face to face with your doctor. Book a Video Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina