Aa
HIV testing confusion
I would like to post my question in a non-confrontational manner - why do HIV specialists use RNA tests when the various on-line forums constantly say that those tests aren't conclusive? Does having a 21 day and 61 day RNA test both coming back undetectable (<20) conclusively prove that I'm negative? Why didn't my specialist even mention having an antibody test?
Best Answer
I have to agree with you on this subject,if the doctors in the expert forum know that there are no tests marketed or sold to give a negative test result earlier than 3 months post-exposure then how is it possible then that they can say to a poster that their test results are conclusive at 4 weeks,6 weeks,8 weeks,etc.when they are fully aware of the guidelines,can someone please explain this situation once and for all.
PCR-RNA test are NOT APPROVED to give a conclusive negative test result by itself. There are no tests marketed or sold to give a conclusive negative test result earlier than three months post exposure.
PCR-RNA tests are not standalone tests are cannot give a conclusive negative test result by itself.
Well then that's the problem - doctors making decisions based on unapproved testing. Can you see how this disparity could drive the patient crazy?
Only 2 weeks ago from Dr garcia,"Yes you had a very high risk exposure with a known HIV+ person,however I consider your two negative DUO tests both at 4 weeks and 7 weeks post-exposure fully conclusive and no further testing is required"This assessment was made after the highest risk possible for HIV transmission.
UK Fourth Generation Testing
http://www.bhiva.org/documents/Guidelines/Testing/GlinesHIVTest08.pdf
Post testing
Page 11
The need for a repeat HIV test if still within the window period after a specific exposure should be discussed. Although fourth generation tests shorten the time from exposure to seroconversion a repeat test at three months is still recommended to definitively exclude HIV infection.
Dec 06, 2011 To: jjllmm
Hello,
Thank you very much for your post and welcome to our forum. I am afraid that it is going to be me answering your question, and not my colleague, Dr Sean.
It is certainly quite unfortunate that you had contracted herpes type 2 in this unprotected sexual encounter. The negative test that you had at 8 weeks is certainly highly reassuring and a very good indication as it is possible to detect the HIV antibodies already at that stage. However current UK guidelines still recommend to have a final test at 12 weeks for it to be considered final and fully conclusive. Having said all that, and speaking out of my own clinical experience, I have never come across anyone testing negative at 8 weeks and then positive at 12 weeks. Therefore I am very confident that you are HIV negative.
Best wishes,
Dr José
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