pcr test question, preliminary results?

[123xyz098]

I'm located in the U.S., I had a PCR test done by Labcorp at 10 days, the doctor said results would be back within 3 to 4 days. I called for the results at the end of the day on day 4 and the doctor said that the "preliminary" results looked okay so far but said the "final" results aren't in yet. I asked what "preliminary" meant and was told that the lab runs the tests again just to double check and confirm the results.

My questions are, does what I described sound standard for this type of test? Do the labs usually fax the "preliminary" results to the doctor? Is it a possible bad sign for the PCR test to take longer than the doctor anticipated?

(I also had hep c & b tests done at the same time.)

[123xyz098]

The doctor just called and said my tests were negative. Now I will wait another couple of months to do the antibody test to confirm this result.....unless anybody has a better suggestion?

I will post no further on this thread unless new information raises any questions for me.

(Not out of the woods yet, but if I am, I'm never forgetting this experience..I want to help in the fight against this disease whether or not I have it.)

[Teak]

PCR-RNA tests are not stand alone tests. They need to be followed up with antibody test at the proper time.