RNA tests for HIV and ELISA tests for HIV antibodies.
Does anyone know the difference between RNA test and ELisa test?
http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/testing/resources/qa/be_tested.htm#wait
here's the link :)
I waited 18 days after possible exposure to take RNA test and Elias test. Both negative. I was feeling great until my girlfriend got a vaginal yeast infection and a stiff and painful neck. (both are uncommon for her).
Was does Dr. H or other experts say about PCR-RNA test after 18 days?
PCR is good for the detections of HIV, before seroconverting. Now if you have sex one day and the next you test. The likely hood that you will get an accurate test is nil. You need to give it some time after the possible exposure. The steps go as follows. Exposure, then infection and then seroconverting. A PCR test is capible of giving a correct result as early as the conversion process begins and seroconversion is usually 2-4 weeks after infection not exposure. Your PCR RNA and bDNA are not stand alone tests. They can give very accurate results but have to be backed with an ELISA or equivlent test.
Thanks mike. I'll check back later to see the CDC link.
Shaken,
RNA PCR at the 18 th day is conclusive you just need to make sure you back it up with an antibody at 6 to 8 weeks
I'll paste the CDC link for the same in some time as I'm not on the computer but on the handheld
In your previous post, you draw a distinction between exposure and infection. What kind of a time period is there between the two?
I'm not sure that Dr. HHH has said much about the accuracy of PCR tests. He doesn't recommend them because they have a high rate of false positives. Most of the labs that sell these tests claim that they are conclusive at 28 days. However, the PCR is not deemed to be a stand alone test and should be backed up by an Antibody test. However, from what I understand, an 18 day negative is encouraging.
Also, don't focus on symptoms. I have tons of symptoms. Everybody on this board has tons of symptoms. Symptoms are meaningless. Get your antibody test done. It will probably be negative.