Is HIV RNA Test Done 9 Days After Exposure Conclusive?

Posted on Tue, 17 Nov 2015

Question: Hello Doctor, my HIV RNA PCR test on the 9th day after possible exposure was negative. Us this test accurate? Do I need further testing?

- JP

Answered by Dr. Roopa Hiremath (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
HIV RNA PCR test is accurate,repeat test after two weeks for confirmation

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr.JP,

Welcome to health care magic,

I understand your concern regarding exposure to HIV and whether HIV RNA PCR is a confirmatory test after 9 days of exposure.

Let me explain few details about HIV for you to understand better.

HIV enters the body through minor abrasions in genital mucosa during sexual intercourse and multiplies in the local lymph nodes for 4 days to 11 days and then reaches blood. So there is no test which can be done within 4 days of exposure to detect HIV in blood.

HIV RNA PCR test is an accurate test to detect HIV during early exposure.

In your case, your test result is negative on 9th day. As the range of days for multiplication of HIV varies from 4 days to 11 days, the best period to do a HIV PCR is two weeks after exposure.

You are HIV negative, but I suggest a repeat HIV RNA PCR or Western blot test two weeks from now for confirmation of HIV status.

This test will rule out the multiplication variation range of HIV and will also reduce your worries about your HIV status.

I hope I have cleared your doubts.

Please get back if any more queries.

Thanks.

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