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PCR-RNA negative during window period
by trekstar, Jun 13, 2008 11:14AM
First of all, I know that the PCR test isn't approved for diagnosis, and that it may produce false positives more often than other tests like the ELISA.
However, if a super-sensitive viral load test is taken during the window period (2-4 weeks after exposure), how could it possibly produce a false negative ("undetected")? For all I've read the viral load at this point would be sky high, provided that you're not already on HIV meds, or that your body already has produced antibodies, in which case an ELISA would be positive.
Is it at all possible to have an undetected viral load and be negative on an ELISA and still be infected with HIV, of course provided there were no lab mistake, mixed blood samples etc.?
However, if a super-sensitive viral load test is taken during the window period (2-4 weeks after exposure), how could it possibly produce a false negative ("undetected")? For all I've read the viral load at this point would be sky high, provided that you're not already on HIV meds, or that your body already has produced antibodies, in which case an ELISA would be positive.
Is it at all possible to have an undetected viral load and be negative on an ELISA and still be infected with HIV, of course provided there were no lab mistake, mixed blood samples etc.?
Member Comments (2)
by SCAREDTODEATH39, Jun 13, 2008 11:16AM
yes yes and yes
by Teak, Jun 13, 2008 03:38PM
PCR-RNA is not a diagnostic test. It is a supplemental test, which must be used in junction with an antibody test.
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