
Is An RNA 4th Generation Test Done At 55 Days Post Exposure Conclusive?

HIV 1 free.Repeat antibody test by 12 weeks to rule out HIV 2
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
You are HIV free to the extent of 99%. That is your RNA test done on 24 th day and 4th Generation test ruled out the possibility of HIV 1 infection beyond any doubt. This is conclusive whereas most of the RNA test and 4th generation tests are able to detect only the HIV 1 antigen and not HIV 2. These test become confirmatory by 4 weeks, so your test ruled out HIV 1.
HIV 2 is very rare except in XXXXXXX Elsewhere its prevalence is less than 1%. Your third generation antibody test and 4th generation (combo) tests are able detect HIV 2 antibodies. But you had not crossed the window period totally. There is a possibility of sero-conversion (antibody formation) gets delayed up to 12 weeks. So it is better that you repeat the 4th generation test or any other rapid test after 12 weeks to be more sure that you are free from both HIV 1 and 2.
Dr S.Murugan


My 3rd generation test just came back as negative. I took the test at 83 days which is 11.86 weeks. 1 more day would have been 84 days or 12 weeks. Does the 1 day make a difference or should I consider myself HIV Negative?
It is conclusive that you free from HIV 1 and 2.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back. You are absolutely free from HIV 1 infection.
In medicine there is no line of definite demarcation. Anyhow one day does not make much difference.Your result of 3rd generation test at 83 days not makes any difference from the result at 84 days. So you can take this result as very much conclusive and the negative test ruled out the possibility of HIV 2 also.
Relax and enjoy the days ahead.
Dr S.Murugan


All HIV tests are highly sensitive and specific
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome once again.
All test available in the market are very well sensitive and specific.You need not have any more suspicion about your HIV status.You are free from both HIV 1 and 2.
Dr S.Murugan


Long Steroids could delay the appearance of antibodies
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
It depends upon when you had and how long you had.
If you had steroid after your high risk contact during the window period it could delay the window period or delay the appearance of antibodies against HIV. But a single shot would not have much effect on this. Only when you had steroids for more than a week this could happen. Otherwise it would not have much effect on the HIV test.
Dr S.Murugan


Steroid has no effect on RNA test
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome once again.
Steroid would have no effect on antigen based RNA test. So you are free from
HIV 1 infection in spite of taking steroid. That is final.Nothing to worry.
DR S.Murugan


Antibiotics have no effect on HIV tests.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome once again.
Antibiotics are given for infections caused by bacteria. It has no action over any virus. HIV is a viral infection. So your test would not get affected by antibiotics. Nothing to worry.
Dr S.Murugan


Red spots are unlikely to be due to HIV.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome once again.
Red spots over the body might be due to various reasons like drug allergy, food allergy, insect bite allergy and other skin diseases. It is quite unusual for an early HIV manifestation. Moreover your negative HIV test done on 83 days after the high risk contact ruled out both HIV 1 and 2. Then how could this be due to HIV?
Nothing to worry. You are safe. For the red spots consult a Dermatologist and forget about HIV and your risky exposure.
DR S.Murugan

Answered by

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