PCR reliablity

I've read various articles and posts claiming that PCR tests are not considered reliable after a certain amount of time. I asked my doctor for one nine weeks after a potential oral exposure (with no ejaculation) that came back negative.

I would like to know if that test is considered reliable. Also, are standard ELISA tests normally administered in hospital labs when PCR tests are requested?

I understand what this website's stance is regarding HIV and oral exposures. My question more so pertains to the PCR test itself.

Thanks in advance for your response.

[avonelle38]

A PCR test given at 9 weeks post exposure is not reliable. PCR tests are not diagnostic tests, and the only test that can diagnose an HIV infection is an antibody test.

The good news is, you never even needed to test at all! Oral sex truly is not a risk for HIV, and you never needed to get a test for it.

If you are still planning on continuing to get tested, go ahead an get an antibody test. At 9 weeks, it is very accurate and EXTREMELY unlikely to change. However, you can most certainly expect a negative result because you were never at risk for HIV. Relax :)