Is Negative HIV DNA-PCR Test 10 Days After Sexual Encounter Conclusive?

Posted on Tue, 5 Jan 2016

Question: I took a dna pcr qualitative hiv test it was negative 10 days after exposure does this cover all of my exposure in the months before the 10 days?

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (2 hours later)

PCR can be negative upto 3-4 weeks in rare cases. So this excludes an infection prior to that period. Always remember to practise safe sex and not take risks

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

Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (45 hours later)

If i took the test on nov 18 does it cover my exposures that i had in sept and oct ?

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (32 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome again.
The PCR would detect all of HIV infections upto the 3rd week of October and most of the infections upto the end of October.
Take care,

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

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