
Is PCR Pro-viral DNA Qualitative Confirmatory After 72 Hours Of Possible Sexual Exposure?

Question: Hi sir. Does pcr proviral dna qualitative is confirmatory after 72 hrs of exposure for hiv?.
Brief Answer:
No pro-viral DNA by PCR is not confirmatory after 72 hours post exposure.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX, usually pro-viral DNA qualitative assay by PCR is done for early detection of HIV-1 infection in children and adults prior to appearance of HIV-1 RNA, HIV-1 P-24 antigen, or HIV-1 antibodies in the blood. It will take at-least 10 days post exposure to be conclusive or confirmatory. So only after 72 hours post exposure we can not consider it as confirmatory rather we can take it as reliable.
No pro-viral DNA by PCR is not confirmatory after 72 hours post exposure.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX, usually pro-viral DNA qualitative assay by PCR is done for early detection of HIV-1 infection in children and adults prior to appearance of HIV-1 RNA, HIV-1 P-24 antigen, or HIV-1 antibodies in the blood. It will take at-least 10 days post exposure to be conclusive or confirmatory. So only after 72 hours post exposure we can not consider it as confirmatory rather we can take it as reliable.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar


sir. so there is any need to get tested again? as I had low risk exposure sexual activity. the test report was negative for now. kindly guide me sir. I m worried so much. thanking you.
Brief Answer:
Yes you need to go for repeat testing after 2 weeks to be completely sure.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
no need to worry much as you are telling the exposure is low risk and yes, you have to go for repeat testing to be completely sure about your situation. As after 72 hours pro-viral DNA qualitative assay result was negative, than there are more chances that it will also come negative after 2 weeks also.
So be relaxed and hope for the best. Thank You
Yes you need to go for repeat testing after 2 weeks to be completely sure.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
no need to worry much as you are telling the exposure is low risk and yes, you have to go for repeat testing to be completely sure about your situation. As after 72 hours pro-viral DNA qualitative assay result was negative, than there are more chances that it will also come negative after 2 weeks also.
So be relaxed and hope for the best. Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj


thank you sir. and lastly enlighten me on sir. for how much time hiv virus can be viable outside body? what are my chances of getting disease with low risk exposure? thank you
Brief Answer:
The survival of HIV virus outside body or in dried blood is very difficult.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX, HIV virus needs human body as its host. The survival of HIV virus outside the body or in dried blood is very difficult and it will die within minutes or become harmless. So your chances of getting the disease with low risk exposure are very less. Thank you very much
The survival of HIV virus outside body or in dried blood is very difficult.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX, HIV virus needs human body as its host. The survival of HIV virus outside the body or in dried blood is very difficult and it will die within minutes or become harmless. So your chances of getting the disease with low risk exposure are very less. Thank you very much
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. Neel Kudchadkar

Answered by

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
