HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Is HIV RNA PCR Qualitative Test Taken 3 Days After An Exposure Reliable?

Posted on Mon, 18 Jul 2016

Question: Will 'HIV RNA PCR' TEST GIVE ACCURATE RESULT AFTER 3 DAYS OF SEXUAL INTERCOURSE..

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Detects by 3-4 days exposure but senesitive after 10-12 days exposure.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for query.Welcome to health care magic.

I am Dr Bharatesh D Basti answering your query.

HIV 1& 2 RNA PCR is sensitive (considered more accurate) after 10-12 days risk exposure.
It can detect HIV RNA components after 3-4 days, But is considered 99% sensitive after 10 -12 days exposure.

You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Dermatologist & Venereologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (10 minutes later)

Hi Bharatesh, thanks for the revert so you mean it doesn't make any difference rite even if we test after 3 or 10 days correct?

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Considered more accurate after 10-12 days than after 3 days exposure

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for query.

No.It is considered more accurate after 10-12 days than after 3 days exposure.
You can get these tests after 12 days.
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Dermatologist & Venereologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (3 hours later)

Thanks Bharatesh, one last question so the HIV symptoms will only begin after 10 days of intercourse or how is that calculated. I had a sexual intercourse on last Saturday I am just afraid I used the protection but still worried you know like phobia :) so it's almost 6 days till now and I am planning to have the test done next Friday is it sufficient for the exact results... Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (56 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
HIV PCR test after 12 days exposure.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.

If it is protected intercourse,you can allay fears of HIV.She may be negative too.You can get her tested to allay your fears.

Just presence of HIV virus need not lead to symptoms. The symptoms are due to immunosuppression and opportuniistic infections. Many remain asymptomatic. So all do not have symptoms immediately after virus detection.

You can go for HIV1 &2 RNA PCR after 12 days .It will relieve your anxiety . Later after 3 months you can go for HIV1 &2 antibodies tests as a final test to totally allay fears. The chances of tests coming positive after 3 months is nil .

You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Dermatologist and venereolgist

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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar