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Is Negative HIV RNA Q TMA Test Result After Possible Exposure Conclusive?

Posted on Thu, 11 Jun 2015

Question: Had unprotected sex with a female of unknown health status. 33 days after I had a full panel of STD testing along with a 3rd generation HIV test. 7 weeks later (49 days) I had an HIV combo 4th generation test and an HIV RNA QL TMA test. The HIV RNA test is conclusive at 28 days and 99% accurate and the HIV combo test is 97% to 99% accurate and conclusive at 12 weeks and both came back negative. I tested again at 81 days (11 weeks and 4 days after exposure) by a 3 rd generation HIV test and that came back negative. I had an HIV 4th generation combo test at exactly 12 weeks (84 days after exposure) and I was told it is 99% accurate and conclusive. I am still scared. I have no issues with my immune system that would delay it and take no medication.

I've been told that I am 100% fine. I am 100% HIV negative after 5 five exams that have all come back negative?

2 HIV 3rd generation test at 33 days and 81 days negative.

1 HIV RNA QL TMA at 7 weeks (49 days) and negative

2 HIV 4th generation combo test at 7 weeks (49 days) and 12 weeks (84 days)

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are free from HIV 1 and 2 beyond any doubt. No point in worrying.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back to HCM.
Already you had been assured that you are free from HIV 1 and 2. Then there is no point in worrying about HIV.
All the latest tests available in the market are all highly reliable and almost 98% sensitive and specific. You had undergone the latest versions of tests like HIV RNA Q TMA test and also the 4th generation COMBO test. That too after the maximum extended period of window period for those tests. HIV RNA Q would be able to detect the presence of virus as early as the 1st week of the infection and becomes more conclusive by 4 weeks, but you had this test after 7 weeks and the 4th generation test at 12 weeks. Both were negative as well as the other tests also. All put together eliminates the least (0.5%) possibility of false negative results and assure you an 100% surety that you are HIV 1 and 2 free.
Forget the past and enjoy the days ahead.
Dr S.Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (19 hours later)

Hi doctor. I was just concerned because I recently had sex with my wife and I wanted to make sure I didn't pose any danger to her?

So with my last 2 exams the 3rd generation at 81 days and the 4th generation at exactly 84 days and both coming back negative I am completely HIV negative and don't need further testing?

Did I pick up that last 0.05% that could have been false negative?

Is it still conclusive since I got the test exactly on the 84 day mark?

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
100% sure that you are HIV free, can have sex with your wife.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.

Window period for HIV (time for antibody formation) is just 6-8 weeks only. Another period of 4 weeks (a total of 12 weeks duration) is a grace time as a maximum possible extent.
Moreover you had two tests by 12th week one 3rd generation another 4th generation test. Both were negative. Apart from these your HIV RNA Qualitative PCR test (More confirmatory value) by 49 days also negative. These altogether confirm that you are free from HIV 1 and 2 more than 100% surety. So it is foolish and waste of money in going for further test for HIV.
You can have regular sex with your wife without any fear of transmitting HIV to her.
Dr S.Murugan

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

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (37 minutes later)

I'm taking levothyroxine for a low active thyroid all of which is natura. Would any of that affect an HIV test? I was told that doesn't at lol have to do with anything of that nature, but I just want to confirm.l

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Levothyroxine has no effect on HIV antibody based test results

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome once again.
Only steroids and anti cancer drugs have some effect on antibody production and on the window period not any other drugs or preparations including Thyroxine.
Nothing to worry
Dr S Murugan

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

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (26 hours later)

My wife was recently diagnosed with what appears to be ringworm. She either got something from me or something from our trip. I am concerned about it and the HIV testing. I was reading that neither of these thing are tied together. Can you please confirm this?

Should I be worried about it?
I don't have any fungus or anything like that currently. Her doctor said i had nothing to do with her ringworm. Can you confirm this as well

Can i put all this HIV stuff behind me??

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Fungal infection is common, not related to HIV

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
Ring worm (fungal infection) infection is a common problem and can occur to anybody. Not necessarily related to HIV.
She could have acquired the infection by sharing clothes, towel, soap etc.or otherwise sharing bathing in pools. Nothing serious. Consult your Dermatologist for further help.
Dr S Murugan

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

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (8 hours later)

So its nothing that i gave to her?

My hiv test are completely conclusive and what she is having is not something that i transmitted? I dont have anything on my body that resembles what she has.

How does ringworms enter your body? Does it appear where you touched? Like if you touch a towel that has it and put it around your neck will you only get it on your neck?

Hiv is completely off the table for me
?

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Ring worm infection can be treated easily and totally

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
Ring worm infection is not transmitted through sexual contact. So you had not given anything to her.
Ring worm can be transmitted from water, toilet seats, fomites. It is not necessary to investigate the source of ring worm infection. Get treated as early as possible with the help of a Dermatologist.
Dr S.Murugan

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

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (5 hours later)

Is hiv completely of the table for me woth all these test?

Should i maybe seek mental help?

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are HIV free beyond any doubt. Tests are clear.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
Once again I assure you that you are HIV free. Your tests for HIV ruled out the possibility of HIV 1 and 2 beyond any doubt. Here afterwards try to stick to safe sex.
If you have mental disturbance in spite of my assurance, it is better to have a consultation with a psychiatrist.
DR S.Murugan

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

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (3 hours later)

I have an interesting question. If someone has an immunodeficiency disease and was never treated for it and never taken any medication for it if they were to get infected with HIV would the test always come positive and would they get sick really quickly?

I saw you said have safe sex. Does that mean that i shouldnt have unprotected sex with my wife to have kids? Or just becareful if i ever go outside the marriage (which i will not)?

Any other advise?

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
safe sex meant for contact outside marriage

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome back
Immune deficiency without drugs is rare and no doubt it would affect the Antibody production, test results and the course of the disease.
It would not be applicable to you.
Safe sex meant only for sex ououtside marriage and also with wife when any body has extramarital contact.
Dr S Murugan

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

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (44 hours later)

I know that I have a low active thyroid but I don't know if it is natural or Hashimoto's thyroiditis. If it is not natural would Hashimoto affect my HIV tests? I mean I had 2 HIV combo test, 2 HIV 3rd generation test, and the HIV RNA test.

If the HIV RNA test detects the virus itself and doesn't rely on antibodies would Hashimoto even be a factor?

I am back in trouble with this HIV issue?

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
HIV results not affected by Thyroiditis

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back
Thyroid problem and Hashimato's thyroiditis would not interfere with your HIV tests. So not to worry. Your results are reliable.
Dr S Murugan

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