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What Is The Window Period For HIV Test?

Posted on Tue, 1 Sep 2015

Question: Hi Doctor,

I had sex with call girl and unfortunately condom got broken in the middle.....I am so scared, anxious and unable to concentrate on anything from then....Eventhough the girl said she was tested safe 2 months ago and had protected sex after then, I can't stop worrying about it.

I know after 3 months I need to get tested for antibody test for the confirmative results. But I am not in a position to wait till then.

I researched a lot about early detection tests and came to know about DNA PCR and RNA PCR for HIV..... But I heard different opinions from different experts due to which unable to decide which test should I take for the earliest detection and after how many days.

Its 5th day now the exposure happened.

So I am curiously waiting for the following questions to be answered

1. Which test should I go for DNA PCR or RNA PCR? Or both will be equally effective for conclusive results in terms of no of days after exposure ?
2. Tomorrow is 6th day , so can I go for the test? (As said I am so anxious, every day is getting very difficulty , so waiting for least no of days)
3. If the results come negative can I conclude that I am definitely negative ( since I heard these tests have zero false negatives ) .And anyways I will go for the test after 3 months for the confirmatory
4. I heard if the PCR result is positive then there is a chance that you may be negative due to false positive rate and is there any possibility vice versa?

I got different answers from different experts in my research and I want to stop searching for the info anymore since it leads many confusions

I hope to hear conclusive answer.

Thank you so much in advance !

Answered by Dr. Arun (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please find the answer below...

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,

Thank you for posting your query to HCM platform.

I read and understand your concern, I am Dr Arun Tank answering your concern.

If the girl shows you a negative report and she had done all the protected intercourse thereafter you are out of trouble. You can allay the fear.

You can find your answer in point wise manner below.

1. Both the tests HIV DNA and RNA PCR will be equally effective for conclusive results in terms of number of days. It will take around 7 days to achieve good results for the tests.

2. HIV PCR tests are effective only after 7 days of exposure. It will false resulst after 6 days.

3. After 7 days if your result is negative you can count your self as negative.

4. No if the result of the PCR is positive than it wont be revert back thereafter.

You can ask me for further confirmation here.

Thank you
Dr Arun Tank
Infectious disease specialist.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Arun (10 minutes later)

today is 5th day after the exposure, so I can take the test after 2 days for RNA PCR or DNA PCR and completely rely on the results right?....if it is negative I don't need to go for any other test and confirm myself HIV negative?

Answered by Dr. Arun (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
PCR after seven days is conclusive

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,

Thank you for asking query.

Yes,

PCR test after 7 days is conclusive, once you test yourself with PCR it wont require a reconfirmation later.

You can ask me for further confirmation

Thank you

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad