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

question-icon

Is Negative HIV PCR RNA Test 6 Weeks After Exposure Conclusive?

default
Posted on Fri, 1 Jul 2016
Question: Hello doctor,

How are you, I was in touch with you 4 months back.

I just debreif the case....

I had protected intercourse with 3 girls in 2days and unprotected oral sex both receiving and giving with CSW in Germany. This was 6 months back.

Initially I got tested for HIV and STD at 3 weeks of exposure (HIV 4th Generation, Syphilis, Chlyamdia, HSV 1 and 2 ) All negative except HSV IGG was postive.

Again after 6 weeks of Exposure I got tested for HIV PCR RNA test, but they gave me the test report within a single day and which was negative (Can this report be trusted?)

Again after 8 weeks I got tested for 4th Generation HIV duo test which was negative.

Again after 14 weeks I got tested for HIV 4th Generation and STD test ( All negative including Hepatitis B and C also negative). Also got tested for HIV Western blot test which was negative.

During this period since begining I was having mild throat pain and it persisted till today, I met ENT doctor 2 months back and i did not tell about this exposure and he suggested may be GERD and I also have a Gastric problem and using the medicine since 2 months. Also my neck glands were also paining during this time since begining.

I have mild swelling under arm pit since 3 months, but no lump. I have that feeling when I close my hands something under my armpit feeling. Intermittent pain.

Also intermittent numbness on thighs and mild throat pain.

I am worried of sero conversion, though tests are negative (as the window period is 3 months), but is there a chance of late sero conversion (By the way I am a healthy person only).

Do I need to get tested again?

Also I noticed 6 months back after the exposure mild yeast infection on my head of penis, but not sure it could be before exposure too. It is still there.

All these are making me worried.

Can you please advise.

Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (15 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Try stress free thoughts

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for the question. I remember you and I know you will get back to me with the similar status. As mentioned during our last consult you are still stressed than earlier about the HIV status and it taking the XXXXXXX out of your life even though the contrary was already proven. The agony is bypassing the fun and quality life that you should be enjoying. The stress can really cause any symptom which cannot be explained by medical science like the ones you were mentioning above.
To brief
Again after 6 weeks of Exposure I got tested for HIV PCR RNA test, but they gave me the test report within a single day and which was negative (Can this report be trusted?)
==== Yes you can trust

I am worried of sero conversion, though tests are negative (as the window period is 3 months), but is there a chance of late sero conversion (By the way I am a healthy person only).

Do I need to get tested again?
==== If I say no, you will still be worried. So keep testing until you feel the comfort of it.

Also I noticed 6 months back after the exposure mild yeast infection on my head of penis, but not sure it could be before exposure too. It is still there.

==== Yeast grows on the head of penis and it is considered normal commensal on human body.

Can you please advise.


I am sure you will be having multiple consultations with other XXXXXXX and online doctors along with me, all opinions will lead to more stress.




Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (7 hours later)
Hello Doctor,

Thank you for your reply, however I am sorry if I am posing lot of questions to you.

But I feel comfortable to express whatever is in my mind to have a better suggestion.

Firstly I was not under any stress after the 3 months negative test, despite i had some symptoms of mild throat and axillary swelling pain. I thought it will go on its own and was not thinking about it. Even the mild yeast infection on the head of penis as well ignored.

But after 6 months when still the axillary swelling was there and increased little bit, I was getting worried since a week. I noticed no lump and tingling sensation on groin and thighs. these symptoms forced me to think and raised some doubts on HIV tests accuracy and late sero conversion after 6 months and hence approached you to share my problem and have some clarity on it whether further testing is necessary or my apprehensions are 100% wrong.

Also I wanted your advise on meeting a physician and tell only about the current symptoms?

If I start explaining since begiining, then I would be back to square one. so thought based on your advise can that case If I rule out 100% HIV and discuss current symptoms.

Thanks for your understanding.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (17 hours later)
Brief Answer:
postpone physician visit.

Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir,

You can ask me questions.
My point was that the paranoia shifted from questions of HIV positive to questions on reliability and accuracy of the tests.
Please count me as your well wisher, and see a health counselor to help you understand the problem. Do not meet a physician now. Postpone it after a counselor. You should reveal all your past history and personal history to physician. If not he can prescribe you antibiotics which may not be necessary.
Let me know the counselor's opinion.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (2 days later)
Hello Doctor,

Thank you for the reply, as you said I will postpone the physician visit. But doctor I can assure you that for sure I do not need a counsellor.

Trust me doctor I can control my thoughts.

Just wanted a clarification.

What could be the possible reasons for axillary swelling, mainly on the left hand side. When I press the swelled area there is no pain but sorrounding area has some pain as stiff muscles. I had stiff muscles pain under the arm for both hands and had stiff neck glands pain.

The axillary swelling is since 2 months, is this due to viral or bacterial infection? or any other reason.

I never had such symptoms before, hence got the doubt of HIV.

Please advise.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (38 hours later)
Brief Answer:
One side swelling in the arm pit

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Most often the swellings in the arm pit are lymph nodes. If it pains it means it is inflamed because of various reasons. TB, any Infection, injury or could be autoimmunity.
When you do the physician visit later get an examination to check if the nodes are enlarged, consistency and matting.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

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

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2087 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

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

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Is Negative HIV PCR RNA Test 6 Weeks After Exposure Conclusive?

Brief Answer: Try stress free thoughts Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for the question. I remember you and I know you will get back to me with the similar status. As mentioned during our last consult you are still stressed than earlier about the HIV status and it taking the XXXXXXX out of your life even though the contrary was already proven. The agony is bypassing the fun and quality life that you should be enjoying. The stress can really cause any symptom which cannot be explained by medical science like the ones you were mentioning above. To brief Again after 6 weeks of Exposure I got tested for HIV PCR RNA test, but they gave me the test report within a single day and which was negative (Can this report be trusted?) ==== Yes you can trust I am worried of sero conversion, though tests are negative (as the window period is 3 months), but is there a chance of late sero conversion (By the way I am a healthy person only). Do I need to get tested again? ==== If I say no, you will still be worried. So keep testing until you feel the comfort of it. Also I noticed 6 months back after the exposure mild yeast infection on my head of penis, but not sure it could be before exposure too. It is still there. ==== Yeast grows on the head of penis and it is considered normal commensal on human body. Can you please advise. I am sure you will be having multiple consultations with other XXXXXXX and online doctors along with me, all opinions will lead to more stress.