DNA by PCR Test Opinions

[scaredinmo]

Here's a good topic. Anyone have opinion(s) about this test? Accuracy, window, etc. Seems to be a lot of confusion about it and I see it readily on the market for big bucks. Question is, is it worth the cash?

[scaredinmo]

I see your point. Just weird that it can quantitate and not qualify. I guess I get confused on the terms. There's a lot of businesses out there making a buck using it. I feel good about my 6 week ELISA more than anything. Doc H says 6 to 8 weeks is very good, but for sanity I'll follow up with the 3 months. So, message to those listening, just get the ELISA and save the cash.

[Teak]

That's what is says, "not intended to be used as a donor screen test for HIV-1 or as a diagnostic test to confirm the presence of HIV-1 infection."

[howsit1]

Teak, are you saying the DNA PCR is not reliable? I had one done at 25 days - negative. My situation was exposure to vaginal fluid on my finger. no cuts, no openings. From what I can read this is very low risk, but Im thinking Im going to get the ELISA.

[Teak]

Here is what it says about your NAT.  This assay is not intended for use as an aid in diagnosis of infection with HIV-1, HCV or HBV.

http://www.fda.gov/cber/label/hivhcvgen100306LB.pdf  Read intended use.

[scaredinmo]

What's up bud? I agree, but aren't they very much alike the NATs that the Red Cross uses? I understand that they are not diagnostic, but is that due to the economic impact or the reliability? Also, there is a lot of false positives from what I read. Too alarming to use health clinics. Would freak everyone out. I think they offer a good tool for medical professionals for occupational exposures. Probably eases the nerves, but the ELISA is the surety of the mind everyone seeks.

[Teak]

Don't think to much of them as you can see that they are not intended to be used as a screening test for HIV or a diagnostic toest to confirm the presence of HIV infection.

The AMPLICOR HIV-1 MONITOR Test is not intended to be used as a screening test for HIV or as
a diagnostic test to confirm the presence of HIV infection.

Abbott RealTime HIV-1 assay is an in vitro reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay
This assay is not intended to be used as a donor screening test for HIV-1 or as a diagnostic test to confirm the presence of HIV-1 infection.