Is Negative HIV PCR Test Result 5 Days After Exposure Conclusive?

Posted on Fri, 24 Jun 2016

Question: Hello doctor.

I have a history of genital herpes. Since feb it has been occurring every month and hence i am very worried.
In february i had exposures 1st feb( other girl)
23rd feb - 6th march ( same girl ). Exposures were all protected.. I went for a HIV PCR RNA QUALITATIVE TEST ON 12th march.
The standarrd 4th gen test and the Pcr were both negative. I am attaching the results.

My question is that the pcr test was at 5 days post last exposure so my negative result is accurate and enough or i need further testing ( no more exposure after that).
And the pcr was only for hiv-1. I hear i should have done hiv2 also. So what are my options and risks and xhances.

Do i go again for a test or its enough. And if i go what are the chances. Of it being any dofferent.

Please revert back as soon as possible

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You need to go for repeat testing after one month.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXX,

Welcome to HCM.

You had protected sex with other girl then the risk of getting HIV is already not there and RNA PCR is negative along with 4th gen than nothing to worry.

The reliability of RNA PCR after 5 days of exposure is not so high that is why you need to go for repeat testing after one month of exposure to get highly reliable and accurate result but the risk is very less.

Be relaxed and forget about the incidence. For any further query you can get back to me any time and I am always available here to help you straightway.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (8 minutes later)

Hello doc. I just left the clinic. I have given blood sample for hiv testing.
Do u think the results can be any different this time around ? What are rhe chances.
And last year i had herpes outbreak only 1nce. But this year 3 times already. Can u explain why ? And what precautions to take in lifestyle to avoid more outbreaks. And also reply to earlier wuestions

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The chances of getting different result are very unlikely.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXX,

Welcome back and thanks for follow-up.

The possibility of getting different result this time is very unlikely. Herpes is usually recurrent so don't get bothered, just maintain your sexual hygeine to avoid more outbreaks and always use condoms.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (41 minutes later)

Can u elaborate more on sexual hygiene part ?

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Keep the area clean to avoid infection.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXX,

Welcome back once again.

You need to keep your private area clean by regular washing to avoid any infection. Regular removal of pubic hair, wash your hand and nails before sexual activity, push the foreskin and wash the gland skin with warm water, avoidance of oral sex are some good habits to maintain sexual hygiene.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar

Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (14 hours later)

Hello doc.
Good morning. I have recd my test results and they are negative. Please go through them and please tell me if i need any more testing.

Thanks

XXXXX

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You need to get tested again after 3 months.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXX,

All your test results are negative but still you need to get tested again after 3 months as per routine guidelines to get 100% conclusive result.

Thank You

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina