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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Long After HIV Exposure The PCR Test Detects The Virus?

Once HIV enters the body, does it replicate pretty fast? I ask this because the PCR HIV-1 DNA test looks for the DNA of HIV inside the cell, so if you were recently infected (5 days after possible exposure), will the PCR detect HIV becuase the virues contiunes to replicate and infect CD4 T cells?
Tue, 27 May 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,
Thanks for the consult...

Brief answer,
2-3 weeks after possible exposure

Explanation,
1. You can choose 2 tests for the early detection of hiv in the blood which includes
a)RNA polymerase test- which can be detected as early as 1-3 weeks after exposure to the risk
b) PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test- which can be detected as early as 2-3 weeks after exposure to the risk
2. So from the above tests you can relay on any one of them both are very accurate to diagnose the presence of hiv in the blood
3. RNA TEST- helps in identifying the genetic material of hiv virus
4. PCR TEST- helps in identifying the count of viral load in the blood

Hope this information helps
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How Long After HIV Exposure The PCR Test Detects The Virus?

Hello, Thanks for the consult... Brief answer, 2-3 weeks after possible exposure Explanation, 1. You can choose 2 tests for the early detection of hiv in the blood which includes a)RNA polymerase test- which can be detected as early as 1-3 weeks after exposure to the risk b) PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test- which can be detected as early as 2-3 weeks after exposure to the risk 2. So from the above tests you can relay on any one of them both are very accurate to diagnose the presence of hiv in the blood 3. RNA TEST- helps in identifying the genetic material of hiv virus 4. PCR TEST- helps in identifying the count of viral load in the blood Hope this information helps