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Is HIV PCR RNA Test Done 11 Days Post Exposure Conclusive?
Question: Hi. I had protected sex with a hooker and there was no exchange of fluids. I was a little worried that the condom may not be 100% effective, so I ran a PCR RNA test after 11 days to check if I had contracted the virus. It returned as a negative result. Given this, can I use the PCR result as a conclusive result and move on?
Brief Answer:
PCR is a reliable test in excluding HIV
Detailed Answer:
hello. thank you for writing to us
I am dr.kakkar(dermatologist and venereologist). I have gone through your query and i have noted your concern
Protected sex is safe i.e a condom if used properly is effective protection against transmission of HIV. Moreover a negative result of PCR for HIV RNA is a reliable test at 11 days post contact and excludes HIV.
Regards
PCR is a reliable test in excluding HIV
Detailed Answer:
hello. thank you for writing to us
I am dr.kakkar(dermatologist and venereologist). I have gone through your query and i have noted your concern
Protected sex is safe i.e a condom if used properly is effective protection against transmission of HIV. Moreover a negative result of PCR for HIV RNA is a reliable test at 11 days post contact and excludes HIV.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you sir. So, now can I be tension free and move on with my life??
Is it?
Is it?
Brief Answer:
Your test seems to be conclusive
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Yes. PCR for hiv is not a routine screening test. This test is commonly used to monitor viral load in Hiv positive patients. Although your PCR test is conclusive but you may take a 4th generation Hiv screening test which is the recommended screening test for Hiv at 2 weeks and beyond. Anyways a condom is effective protection against Hiv.
Regards
Your test seems to be conclusive
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Yes. PCR for hiv is not a routine screening test. This test is commonly used to monitor viral load in Hiv positive patients. Although your PCR test is conclusive but you may take a 4th generation Hiv screening test which is the recommended screening test for Hiv at 2 weeks and beyond. Anyways a condom is effective protection against Hiv.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
The fear of getting another test scares me, given that PCR is conclusive, there isn't really a necessary, right?
Have I given the test at an accurate time. Some sites say 9-11 days, some say 10-12 days? Am I in the safe zone?
Have I given the test at an accurate time. Some sites say 9-11 days, some say 10-12 days? Am I in the safe zone?
Brief Answer:
A 4th generation test is more sensitive and specific
Detailed Answer:
hi
The window period of PCR is short. Its about 9-13 days. Since you tested at day 11 so thats reliable. However 4th generation test is more commonly used as a screening test. It has a higher sensitivity and specificity as compared to PCR. Moreover, a negative 4th generation test would make you doubly sure.
Regards
A 4th generation test is more sensitive and specific
Detailed Answer:
hi
The window period of PCR is short. Its about 9-13 days. Since you tested at day 11 so thats reliable. However 4th generation test is more commonly used as a screening test. It has a higher sensitivity and specificity as compared to PCR. Moreover, a negative 4th generation test would make you doubly sure.
Regards
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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