RNA PCR test

why do most support sites recommend only the elisa after 6 weeks while most case reports of primary hiv infection always do an rna pcr viral load test especially when elisa is negative?  couldn't rna pcr be considered a diagnostic test in the window period?

[scared_25]

It has a high false positive rate ~3% if you want to risk it, I did.  So it would scare the **** out of you and have to make you wait until window period and more testing to double check.  But I am still here waiting for the magic 3 months.  Mostly it is used if ARS symptoms have started as an early indicator, since if you are having ARS then you RNA value would be very high.

[shaken_55]

I think the main reasons against the PCR test is higer rate of false positives and the higher price. I had a PCR RNA test done and it cost about 250 dollars. I really was too nervous to wait the 6-8 weeks for the antibody test. I had a 19 day antibody test and 19 day PCR RNA test. The CDC considers the window period for the PCR test to be 12 to 16 days. The counselor at the clinic said they actual have a low rate of false positives, but it does happen.  Most of the info about false positives that I have found on the internet was fairly dated (from the mid 90's to 2002). I did find one piece of current info that I found very reliable and encouraging. Clinics in North Carolina have recently begun doing a PCR test with all HIV testing. The PCR test is done in conjuction with an antibody test. So far it appears to very successful.

[shiblee101]

are there every cases of false NEGATIVE rna pcr tests?  maybe because of subtype?  can someone be both elisa negative and rna pcr negative within the window period and STILL have hiv?

[scared_25]

Sad to say, but YES both could be negative and you still +.  But then you put the odds of the test not catching it are low I believe?  The CDC says after 11 days the test shoud work, but it does not get to specific on the details, any RNA testing done after the window period is worse then before because RNA levels are high before your body starts to try and fight with the antibodies, thus the antibody test would be better anytime after 1 month.  RNA test within 2-3 weeks I read is the best timing.  I had one at 2 weeks at <75 accuarcy.

[drsuess]

I went to a doctor who is an HIV specialist.  He stated that the Ultrasensitive RNA test (50 copies) would be positive after 10 days and is OFTEN accurate after 72 hours.  If it isnt positive, then the antibody test would be positive.  I have had the test done a couple of times but always wait the 28 days where the testing sites say they have never had a false negative but have had a few false positives. In fact, the porn industry uses the PCR test and states they have also never had a false negative.

However, I have read a lot more posts where people have had false positives with an antibody test but the percentages are much lower.  Wait the 28 days and have the test done; it its negative, you are in the clear.

[shiblee101]

assuming that the test was done correctly (is it easy to screw up an rna pcr test?)--how could it be possible on a super sensitive rna test to be negative (i assume by <75 you mean that the test couldn't detect 75 or less copies of the virus) and elisa negative.  if the rna level has fallen so low that must be because the antibody response has caused it to go down, meaning the elisa should be positive.  am i right?  therefore, if infected, you cannot be both elisa negative and super sensitive rna pcr negative within the window period.

[Teak]

A PCR RNA test is not a stand alone test. It must be confirmed with an antibody test.

[mike1009]

what about a negative rna pcr at 21 days after initial sympltoms and a negative antibody at 96 days but still dont feel good feel fatigued sore and back of neck hurts still

[Teak]

You're negative and need to seek out other reason as to why you don't feel well.

[vanjul]

i have done pcr rna after 10 days of exposure and it came <25 copies ml is there any chance that i m positive ?

[Teak]

Did you happen to read the replies in the thread you posted in?

[rabbit95]

I Had some symptoms i no you cant go by symptoms around 8 to 10 weeks i had a few bruises pop up the i know i didnt hit anything anyhow i had unprotected sex with women for yound 5 min at 9 weeks 1 day i had ab test it was negative i had hiv-1 rna bdna test the range was 75 value 75 my dr says thats normal but i have heard thats a false pos i was allso told on another forum, that i dont have hiv because after 9 weeks of infection the viral load would be alot more by the way im asking you because i respect the way you answer straight up. thank you