HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Are PCR Tests Done Within 1 Year Accurate?

We are about to adopt a baby from russia, one year old. Her mother is HiV positive. The child born in 4th March 2009 had 2 Pcr tests done for HIV (July and November), both negative. (Her antibody test for HIV was positive on November). Does this mean we can be sure she is ok (since the antibodies of the mother still haven´t disappeared?). How accurate is PCR test done twice? Can the antibodies never disappear? Can the virus appear in the future because it was not found in tests?
Mon, 13 Oct 2014
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Thanks for using HCM.
Brief answer:Yes,accurate.
Detailed answer: Antibodies from the mother in passively enter and be seen in the infant till 15-18 months.So early antibody detection in infants plays no role,which can be false positive. PCR is specific which detects the nucleic acid of the virus in the sample specimen and is enough to say that the child is devoid of the infection.Antibody response in the mother would be lifelong.But if an effective treatment is found,antibody levels may decrease and disappear.The appearance of virus is highly unlikely in the future as already two PCR turned out to be negative.Hope this information helps you.
I find this answer helpful
Note: Get personalized answers to your HIV related queries You can choose to talk face to face with your doctor. Book a Video Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Elisa


Loading Online Doctors....
Are PCR Tests Done Within 1 Year Accurate?

Thanks for using HCM. Brief answer:Yes,accurate. Detailed answer: Antibodies from the mother in passively enter and be seen in the infant till 15-18 months.So early antibody detection in infants plays no role,which can be false positive. PCR is specific which detects the nucleic acid of the virus in the sample specimen and is enough to say that the child is devoid of the infection.Antibody response in the mother would be lifelong.But if an effective treatment is found,antibody levels may decrease and disappear.The appearance of virus is highly unlikely in the future as already two PCR turned out to be negative.Hope this information helps you.