last ques-promise-RNA and DNA tests?

Sorry for all my questions gang...I want to enter into the weekend feeling better but it is hard.  I have 3 more wks to 3 mos.  Anyway, what is the difference between the PCR RNA tests that I have done and the DNA tests?  Should I have been tested by both methods or not?  I'm not doing anymore of these test moving forward, just antibody...just curious is all.

[needhonesthelp]

OK, so DNA test are good to have done when someone is worried about whether they contracted HIV.  From the sounds of it, it seems like a good test.  Is there a window period?

[Teak]

DNA are not used for diagnostic testing except in babies. RNA is not a stand alone test and must be followed up with an antibody test.

[needhonesthelp]

The one concern I have with the RNA tests is that I have read they can miss some rare strains of HIV.  First of all, it looks for HIV-1, I guess HIV -2 is rare in US(right?) so I shouldn't be too concerned about that.  Maybe I just get confused because there seems to be so many different tests out there and I have been desperately trying to make sure I get the right ones.  

[Teak]

The best thing to do is not take and throw your money away on either test. Just get an antibody test.

[needhonesthelp]

Thanks for the help.  I understand the PCR RNA tests need follow up.  due to false pos and probably false neg.  I guess I'm just trying to measure my chances of being neg in 3 more weeks. I realize the neg 9 wk anti test is somewhat encouraging, but I was hoping the RNA tests would increase my chances of being ok...it sounds like it is a little hard to say how much they help.

[afflicter]

so is the anitbody test the most accurate? if you get an anitbody test and are not content with the results would a DNA test seal the deal?

it seems to me if the DNA tests for the actual virus and the anitbody only for antibodies in the system that the DNA test would be more accurate and reliable. no?

[Teak]

It doesn't work that way. Go read the intended uses of both the PCR DNA and the PCR RNA tests.

[needhonesthelp]

I guess I was hoping that the undetecable <48 copies PCR RNA tests i had done at 2&9wks would be really encouraging...now I'm not so sure.  I guess its not a bad thing but not as meaningful as I hoped

[afflicter]

why would i go read when the purpose of this forum is to have educated individuals who can hopefully weed out alot of false information and provide the correct info to the inquiring mind? if you know, why not just share?

[Teak]

You were given the answers. Do you have a problem with going to the manufactures site and reading? That is first hand and not second hand information.

[needhonesthelp]

TEAK-it seems like ur a skeptic when it comes to the PCR RNA tests.  Do you think my <48 c results at 2&9 wks in really encouraging or meaningless?  I do value ur opinion.  Again, i know i still need a 3 mo anti test.

[Teak]

Meaning less unless you are HIV positive.

[needhonesthelp]

My ID doc said that it is not an end all be all, but is encouraging.  If the virus isn't detected and the anti is neg then this is a really good sign.  you really don't thnk so.  i just wonder why...they are said to be sensistive and if someone has the virus- it is in blood so i just don't know why this isn't a good option

[needhonesthelp]

i understand the true DFU of these tests, but it just seems like a lot of well trained ID docs use them for diagnostic purposes.  clearly undetectable is better than detectable...i got the understanding that false neg are rare but false pos do happen because it is so sensitive

[Teak]

No, most well trained doctors do NOT use PCR tests as diagnostic tests. They are not diagnostic tests.

[needhonesthelp]

thx chris, i'm just trying to feel encouraged for the weekend.  i have 3 wks til a full 3 mos and just pray everyday for good news

[needhonesthelp]

again teak i understand the indication, i guess i was hoping for good news...of course i only want honest news

[Teak]

"clearly undetectable is better than detectable" Right there is an example why someone shouldn't use a PCR test. Just because you have an undetectable VL doesn't mean you are not infected.

[needhonesthelp]

understood, does that mean the viral load could be less than 48?  My understanding is that at 2 or 9 wks the viral load is high...a high percentage of the time, so undectable is good for these time intervals

[Teak]

At 2-9 weeks the VL may not be high at all. My VL is undetectable, I have antibodies. Would that make me HIV negative?

[needhonesthelp]

are u a firm believer that a 3 mo ICMA antibody test is conclusive...or does it take 4,5,6 mos

[needhonesthelp]

i understand, but i'm just referring to the initial onset of the virus.  i'm not sure if u are on meds, but i would imagine this would lower than load to untectable..hopefully so it keeps the virus level low.
if the virus load isn't high at 2 or 9 wks, why would the body produce antibodies by 3 mos

[Teak]

Some people never get a high VL or a detectable VL and don't have to go on medication. Those are your LTNP and your "Elites".

[needhonesthelp]

ok, can you tell me if these are really rare situations.  it seems like a lot of literate says the viral load would be detectable at 2 or 9 wks...i understand there are exceptions..the human body and hiv are complicated.
also, do u think a 3 mo ICMA ant test is conclusive.

[alienshadow]

yes it is get a hold of yourself here

[Teak]

Yes and ICMA test would be conclusive at 3 months. It's a diagnostic test.

[needhonesthelp]

so these elites may not show a viral load at 2 or 9 wks but would they have shown atibodies by 9 wks since their body controlled the virus quickly and produced antibodies to defend itself?  

[jon33070]

is it possible to have undectable with no antibodies at 8 weeks?

[jon33070]

thanks, i tested the other day and i pick up results monday or tuesday .

[needhonesthelp]

let me understand u correctly...no detectable vl at 2or 9 wks would mean if you are an elite that you would have producted antibodies by 9 wks.

- no antibodies or VL at 9 wks means it is highly unlikely to turn pos

[needhonesthelp]

ok, thanks- i just pray i'm negative.

[alienshadow]

you will be needsoneshelp

[needhonesthelp]

what are the odds of someone being an elite or ltpn...1 in...

i just really pray hard that i'm fine, i got some real encouragement from my doc regarding my neg 9 wk and undetect rna but i feel more confused in some ways...maybe i shouldn't have posted

[alienshadow]

i did to but dont expect a change when you test at 3 months

[needhonesthelp]

Do LTNP or elites normally not show ARS symptoms after exposure?  if their viral load is low or undetectable and they maintain a low level, does this normally mean their body fought the virus quickly and it didn't express itself w/ symptoms?  i understand that it can still take 3 mos to show antibodies but it almost seem logical that they would show sooner because of their bodies ability to fight the virus quickly.  

I just trying to get a beat on my odds here.  After the testing I've had w/ RNA 2/9wks & neg 9wk ant.

[alienshadow]

needoneshelp look dont make me say it oh well

get some help or find someone to express this to we cant keep playing duck duck goose

[needhonesthelp]

hey i'm just trying to wrap this up and get some final clarity.  i'm scared

[needhonesthelp]

ok, i guess i could've figured that.  i still don't feel great and it has been 2 mos.  i just hope if all my ill feelings and sickness were from HIV that they would have shown by now from RNA or antibody that's all.  Clearly i don;t want to be pos and just keep wrestling w/ this