WorriedT

Another thing I took and ask my Family Dr do another test . So she took and ran the ultra rna test down to 50 copies , I was told this friday it's neg along with Elisa . peace

whats the deffernets in rna and dna ?

[WorriedT]

Hi David 2006,

This seems to have been an area of some debate on this forum!!

I'd try this thread...

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/HIVSupport/messages/637.html

Basically, the RNA test detects "free" HIV in the blood because it detects the number of copies of actual HIV virus (HIV is an RNA virus) in a sample. The DNA test detects the number of copies of HIV that has "inserted" into an infected person's cells.

Hope that's useful.

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Thanks alot .

[windowperiod]

so this tests looks for the antigen, hiv dna

[WorriedT]

Hi David2006,

No. So there are antibody tests which detect the immune system's antibody response to the virus, antigen tests (like the p24 test) which detect molecules that are part of the make-up of HIV, RNA tests which detect RNA within the virus particles themselves and DNA tests which detect DNA in infected cells that is caused by and specific to HIV.

Each has different sensitivity and specificity and are effective at different times after infection.

[windowperiod]

thanks yeah I was stress out all these tests , I have took over time period . is there any place I can take the  p24 , peace

[windowperiod]

Genetic Testing . Worried is these tests called Genentic testing .

[WorriedT]

Hi David2006,

I don't know where you're based, but if you look for HIV DUO tests, this would include the p24 antigen test. Please note though that the p24 antigen test is only sensitive in a period of 3-6 weeks after infection when HIV replicates unchecked. After that, the immune system starts combatting the virus reducing p24 levels to below detection levels. At that point, the normal antibody tests become highly efficient at detecting previous HIV infection.

If you've had DNA testing and antibody testing at that timepoint and they're negative, you can be pretty sure of your negative results.

Hope that's useful.

[windowperiod]

Hi again . I have took the dna by pcr along with elisa around 9 months , was that to late to take that test or I had to take it around 4 to 6 weeks . thanks again

[WorriedT]

You're in the clear David2006.

The DNA PCR picks up HIV for the rest of an infected person's life, and ELISA is an antibody test which would be positive in 99%+ of people after 3 months.

Take care and try and let it go.

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I TALKED TO CDC AND THEY SAID PCR NOT WAY FOR HIV TESTING . I'M GETTING CONFESED