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What Does Non-reactive Result Of HIV RNA PCR Test Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 26 Nov 2014

Question: I have a HIV exposure on 6th October. After that I am very anxious. I have done hiv 1+2 elisa test on 31st October and 9th October. Both tests result was mentioned as non-reactivate. But in both test shows different values. In first test it's mentioned as (sample absorbance :0. 069 and cutt of value :0. 506). In second elisa test it's mentioned (absorbance ratio :0. 331, Ratio <0. 9:non-reactivate and Ratio >0. 9 :reactivate ). I have also done HIV RNA PCR (QUANTITATIVE VIRAL LOAD )NOT DETECTED (<100IU/ml). I am unable to know my results. Unfortunately my doctor is outstation. Please help me.

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please find HIV test details explained below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read though your query in detail.
HIV RNA PCR measures virus particles and is best done at the end of two weeks. Since it is negative there is no need to worry.

HIV ELISA should be done at 90 days and 6 months after possible exposure.

In your first HIV ELISA the result is negative because it is mentioned as non reactive. The test value is 0.069 and if it is more than 0.506 then it can be considered positive.

In the second test the result is non reactive and value obtained is 0.331 and ration is given as less than 0.9 and negative if ratio was more than 0.9 then positive result was to be considered.

The difference in results is because of companies which make the test procedure and each one has different positive value as calibrated.

I suggest you to please get a ELISA at end of 6 months for peace of mind. It will surely be negative for you.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (18 minutes later)

Thanks doctor for your reply. I have done hiv rna pcr test 24 days after exposure. That's worries me.Doctor is it a short period for particular test. Also in interpretation of HIV RNA PCR test it's mentioned that Values below 100IU/ml does not exclude possibility of an infection. Follow-up viral load values below the detectable limit may indicate resolution of the infection after therapy. Doctor I am little worried when I read about interpretation in HIV RNA PCR test. But result clearly mentioned that NOT DETECTED (<100IU/ml). Can you please tell me about this.

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Chance of false negative on RNA PCR is low.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.

You have done HIV RNA PCR test at the right time. The result of NOT DETECTED means absence of viral components and or negative.

The test is 99.89% accurate for HIV 1&2 and therefore there is a 0.11 percent chance of a false negative report.

I would like to know if you knew that the other person or contact was confirmed HIV positive or it is only a possibility.

Any ways you must get ELISA done at 90 days and again repeat at 6 months. This is a regular practice.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (25 minutes later)

Doctor your reply was a good relief to me. This happened when I visited XXXXXXX for a business purpose. I have done sex with a sexual worker. I don't know about her status. But she was sexual worker. Actually i have also used condom but after that incident i am very afraid. When I read in internet i found that even std like hiv can pass even through condom. so I am worried. Doctor I have also read that most of infected people will test positive in Elisa within 25 days. Is something that i can believe. Now I am very anxious and afraid.

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please do not worry.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.

There is no reason to get afraid. Internationally followed guidelines are there. They say it is best to get ELISA done at 90 days and 6 months to say with confirmation even if PCR RNA is done earlier.

If you took protection by using condoms then the risk is 4 in 10000 and considered less.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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