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Is Negative PCR RNA Qualitative Test 17 Days After Sexual Encounter Conclusive?
Question: Hi,
I had a Qualitative PCR RNA test 17 days after having unprotected sex. Negative results. There is a tremendous amount of conflicting information regarding the accuracy and window period for this test. I want to believe the odds are in my favor. Are my results a good indicator I'm negative? I went through Personalabs, which is a reputable online source to purchase tests. Thoughts?
I had a Qualitative PCR RNA test 17 days after having unprotected sex. Negative results. There is a tremendous amount of conflicting information regarding the accuracy and window period for this test. I want to believe the odds are in my favor. Are my results a good indicator I'm negative? I went through Personalabs, which is a reputable online source to purchase tests. Thoughts?
Brief Answer:
I do believe it is a good indicator, but can conduct another test
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. In my opinion, not only from the date collected but even from my experience with my patients, the test results are most accurate when conducted anytime during 2-3 weeks post-exposure and anytime after this period. And as you conducted the test on day 17, the result should be 99.6 % accurate.
But as you are still not convinced, I would still recommend conducting the same test once more, or a HIV DUO test on day 28 from exposure or anytime after that, just to make sure that the result was indeed accurate, and to put your worries to rest. I understand that this can be mildly inconvenient, but I only recommend it to help provide a more accurate and conclusive result.
I hope you understand, and I wish you loads of luck. I do believe the test was conducted during a good time period, but if possible, please do repeat the test. Please also feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help.
Best wishes.
I do believe it is a good indicator, but can conduct another test
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. In my opinion, not only from the date collected but even from my experience with my patients, the test results are most accurate when conducted anytime during 2-3 weeks post-exposure and anytime after this period. And as you conducted the test on day 17, the result should be 99.6 % accurate.
But as you are still not convinced, I would still recommend conducting the same test once more, or a HIV DUO test on day 28 from exposure or anytime after that, just to make sure that the result was indeed accurate, and to put your worries to rest. I understand that this can be mildly inconvenient, but I only recommend it to help provide a more accurate and conclusive result.
I hope you understand, and I wish you loads of luck. I do believe the test was conducted during a good time period, but if possible, please do repeat the test. Please also feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help.
Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks for your response. From what I saw online, people were saying 28 days is ideal for PCR which is why I became worried. Its been 8 weeks now and I will do an antibody test to confirm. Have you ever seen a negative PCR turn positive later on in all of your years?
Brief Answer:
No ma'am, I have not seen such a case yet
Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.
The accuracy of the test is 99.6 %, and from my experience I have never seen people fall in that 0.4 %; so my answer would be a No ma'am, I have never seen an individual who has returned a positive result later in their lives.
Go about a HIV DUO test and I am sure the result will complete remove all the fears you have. :)
Best wishes.
No ma'am, I have not seen such a case yet
Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.
The accuracy of the test is 99.6 %, and from my experience I have never seen people fall in that 0.4 %; so my answer would be a No ma'am, I have never seen an individual who has returned a positive result later in their lives.
Go about a HIV DUO test and I am sure the result will complete remove all the fears you have. :)
Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Glad to hear 17 days is 99.6% accuracy because another doctor had told me it was 90% (had me worried) Thank you for calming my nerves!
Brief Answer:
I am always here to help
Detailed Answer:
You are always welcome ma'am.
God bless.
I am always here to help
Detailed Answer:
You are always welcome ma'am.
God bless.
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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