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Is HIV RNA Test Done 6 Days Post Exposure Conclusive?
Question: I took an HIV RNA test via STDCHECK.com who advertises that you can take the test 6 days post exposure. I took the test on day 8 post exposure and the results were negative. I am still concerned that I took the test to early. On day 7 after possible exposure I got bad cramping and a low fever. Fever persisted for 4-5 days very low and I lost my appetite. I got body aches too and just felt terrible. 1 night sweat on the 3rd day. I don't know if I can contribute all this to just anxiety. I took a rapid test as well on day 11 and it was negative. My symptoms have since subsided and looks like I only had them for 5 days. They subsided when I got my negative RNA test but I'm still worried I didn't give enough time.
What are the % that the RNA test is correct on day 8? Can anxiety really cause all of these symptoms?
What are the % that the RNA test is correct on day 8? Can anxiety really cause all of these symptoms?
Brief Answer:
Hello XXXX! Ι have been through your question.
Detailed Answer:
Related your concern I think that your "undetectable" quantitative RNA plasma viral load test is very encouraging, however, PCR RNA tests are not recommended for routine HIV screening.
The HIV -RNA test can provide accurate results within 10-12 days post potential exposure with 90% of infections being detected in that window period.
You should know that HIV-antibody tests are FDA approved for diagnosing HIV disease but HIV -RNA test are not.
PCR-RNA has a risk of false-positive results. RNA tests were not designed (or approved) for routine HIV screening and diagnosis but are used to monitor how much HIV is growing.
There are no clinically defined symptoms for HIV.So, this means that although some may experience flu like symptoms between approximately 2-3 weeks post exposure, many of those exposed to HIV do not experience any symptoms.
Some of these symptoms may be, for example, fatigue, aches and pains, headache, rash, sore throat,fever(some like you have) but again, these symptoms are not consistent enough to be considered clinically defined symptoms of HIV.
Maybe your symptoms could be related to your anxiety but I cannot say this definitely because I need to know more information related your sexual history or potential risk activity.
What I suggest for you in this situation is to do an 4th generation test after 3 months to be definitely more confident that yo are free of HIV.
I hope my answer helps you.
Please be free to ask me again.
Hello XXXX! Ι have been through your question.
Detailed Answer:
Related your concern I think that your "undetectable" quantitative RNA plasma viral load test is very encouraging, however, PCR RNA tests are not recommended for routine HIV screening.
The HIV -RNA test can provide accurate results within 10-12 days post potential exposure with 90% of infections being detected in that window period.
You should know that HIV-antibody tests are FDA approved for diagnosing HIV disease but HIV -RNA test are not.
PCR-RNA has a risk of false-positive results. RNA tests were not designed (or approved) for routine HIV screening and diagnosis but are used to monitor how much HIV is growing.
There are no clinically defined symptoms for HIV.So, this means that although some may experience flu like symptoms between approximately 2-3 weeks post exposure, many of those exposed to HIV do not experience any symptoms.
Some of these symptoms may be, for example, fatigue, aches and pains, headache, rash, sore throat,fever(some like you have) but again, these symptoms are not consistent enough to be considered clinically defined symptoms of HIV.
Maybe your symptoms could be related to your anxiety but I cannot say this definitely because I need to know more information related your sexual history or potential risk activity.
What I suggest for you in this situation is to do an 4th generation test after 3 months to be definitely more confident that yo are free of HIV.
I hope my answer helps you.
Please be free to ask me again.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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