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

Is RNA PCR HIV Test Done 15 Days After Exposure Conclusive?

Posted on Thu, 2 Mar 2017

Question: Hello Dr I tested positive on 4th Generation Elisa test 8 days after having unprotected sec with a white women. I then took a PCR RNA and it was negative 13 days post exposure. 14 Days post exposure another Elisa and it was positive but then I took another PCR RNA and it was Negative 15 days post exposure. My care Dr is telling me I am negative for HIV and to move on with my life as RNA test is more sensative the Elisa I would like your input please.

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (5 hours later)

Brief answer....RNA PCR is much more reliable and hence should be believed
Detailed answer...
Hello,
I have read your query and understand your query.
It indeed,becomes problematic for the person to differentiate between right and wrong when you get confusing and conflicting reports.
Fact is RNA PCR test is much more accurate and reliable because in this test, the genetic material of the virus is tested. If virus is absent in blood ,then there won't be any genetic material of virus in blood and hence test would be negative while in ELISA test,antibodies are looked and tested. Antibodies take time to be produced in body and hence chances of a false positive ELISA and that too within first 2 weeks is quite high.
RNA PCR test is a very sensitive and expensive test as compared to ELISA and hence should be trusted upon.
Your doctor is right.
Relax and move on and nothing to worry.
I hope it helps,however you are most welcome to revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (2 days later)

I have a itchy penis and my foreskin is red and my corona has red bumps on it. Could this be HIV related? also is there any ointment I can use to get rid of this symptoms? Its not too bad but I can feel uncomfortable

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (8 hours later)

Hello,
This redness and itchiness seems to be due to some allergy or some irritant and not due to HIV.
You can apply a mild steroid cream like HYDROCORTISONE twice a day for 4-5 days.
It should get all right with this.
In addition avoid applying soap on it for few days.
Wash with warm water only.
Thanks

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

Follow up: Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (2 days later)

Hi DR thank you for all of your help. I am having a sore throat and what feels like a swollen lymph node and tender on my right side below my jaw. I have no fever and I am also experiencing small amounts of Left Groin pain and back pain. Any of these symptoms to be alarmed with And consider retesting fo hiv? Thank you

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (12 hours later)

Hello,
It seems to be viral sore throat resulting in slight lymph node swelling and generalised aches and pains. You are absolutely free from HIV and hence dont worry abut it.
Just take paracetamol or ibuprofen 400 mg for your pains and do warm saline gargles couple of times in a day.
You should be all right soon.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (6 hours later)

Is the PCR RNA really that accurate at 15 days pst exposure to give you such confidence. For my peace of mind can I take a PCR RNA at 36 days post exposure for better accuracy?

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (37 minutes later)

Hello,
Yes definitely, you can go ahead with RNA PCR again. Although not required,but a fresh negative report would boost your confidence and bring mental peace and solace.
Carry on and best of luck
Thanks

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

Follow up: Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (26 hours later)

How accurate is the PCR RNA test at 15 days post exposure? And can the result be trusted?

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (8 minutes later)

Hello,
RNA PCR is more than 99% accurate after 15 days but if you repeat it now,you become doubly sure. A repeat test now again would be 99.9% sure.
Very frankly speaking a negative test at the end of 12 weeks is considered as absolutely 100% sure. Anytime before 12 weeks can have some theoretical doubts.
I hope you understand this.
Thanks

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

Follow up: Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (5 hours later)

I am having some discomfort in my right armpit going towards my chest. I cant feel or see a swollen lymph node but could it be HIV related

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (6 hours later)

Hello,
Answer is NO. Your symptoms are largely driven by the load of anxiety you are carrying. Relax and nothing to worry.
Thanks

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

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