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MedHelp Member's Question

Window period of RNA HIV test

by ben9999imsc, Jul 25, 2008 07:28PM
What is the window period of the RNA HIV test right now?

Some websites say 1-2 weeks but some researchers say it would take 5 weeks (but the research is posted nearly ten years ago)

I have unprotected sex with a prostitute on 17th July, i plan to have a RNA test on 1st August.
Member Comments (33)

by Teak, Jul 25, 2008 07:31PM
Window period is still three months. PCR RNA tests are not stand alone tests and have to be followed up with an antibody test.

by ben9999imsc, Jul 25, 2008 07:40PM
To: Re: Teak
please do not say something that you dont understand.

The antibody needs about 3 months to develop, but the RNA test is to test the HIV directly, the official window period of RNA test is 9-11 days or 1-2 weeks.

by Teak, Jul 25, 2008 07:47PM
You were given the facts. PCR-RNA tests are not diagnostic tests. They are supplemental tests. Go to the FDA website and look it up.

The AMPLICOR HIV-1 MONITOR Test is not intended to be used as a screening test for HIV or as a diagnostic test to confirm the presence of HIV infection.

http://www.fda.gov/Cber/PMAlabel/P9500054LB.pdf

by ben9999imsc, Jul 25, 2008 08:10PM
To: Teak
It was not few years ago.

in 2006, RNA test is approved by FDA for diagnostic use

http://www.fda.gov/oashi/aids/listserve/listserve2006.html#10606

by alienshadow, Jul 25, 2008 08:13PM
No it isnt my god you read and read you need to get the facts right

by Teak, Jul 25, 2008 08:21PM
To: ben9999imsc
I guess you can't comprehend what you read. Now before you go trying to correct anyone have your facts straight.

"The test, however, is not meant to be used as a stand-alone test for the diagnosis of HIV-1 infection.  A positive nucleic acid test should be viewed as a unconfirmed test result, indicating probable infection, and should be followed up later with traditional EIA antibody testing to confirm infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus."

http://www.fda.gov/oashi/aids/listserve/listserve2006.html#10606

by ben9999imsc, Jul 25, 2008 08:32PM
i didn't say it is a stand-alone test, i am just say RNA is for diagnostic use.

"however, the APTIMA test has been approved for the diagnosis of primary HIV-1 infection, as well as for confirming HIV-1 infection when tests for antibodies to HIV-1 are positive.
"

Actually i am asking how long is the window period for RNA test.

Anti-body test is 3 months, not RNA.

http://www.metrokc.gov/health/APU/rna-testing/

by Teak, Jul 25, 2008 08:39PM
MOVE ON. You can't comprehend what you read and we are not going to argue with you over it. An RNA doesn't have a window period. It's a monitoring test. Anymore and you will be reported to MedHelp.

by ben9999imsc, Jul 25, 2008 08:49PM
RNA has a window period, it cannot detect HIV copies less than 40 copies/ml.

please report me, i dont know what i have done is wrong. I am just asking the actual window period of RNA test but you guys said it is 3 months and none.  

by Teak, Jul 25, 2008 08:57PM
Do you know what a viral load test is? Did you or did you not read what an RNA test is used for? It's a supplemental test, it's also a montoring test.  It cannot give you a conclusive test result by itself.  I get a PCR RNA every 3 months so don't try to tell me about RNA testing.

by ben9999imsc, Jul 25, 2008 09:11PM
You test RNA every 3 months and says RNA test does not have window period. But according to Public Health (http://www.metrokc.gov/health/APU/rna-testing/), it says 1-2 weeks. Again, i just asking the actual window period of RNA test.

by Kerano, Jul 25, 2008 09:13PM
To: ben9999
Stop arguing.  You posted like you wanted help, then you get the answers, and I guess don't like what you hear, so you answer your own question.
No more posting, or there will be a warning from MedHelp.

by Teak, Jul 25, 2008 09:13PM
Forget it. Anyone that comes to this forum and asks if there is a cure for HIV isn't doing anything but playing games.

by ben9999imsc, Jul 25, 2008 09:17PM
To: Kerano
some websites say 9-11 days and some websites say 1-2 weeks but some researchers say it is 5 weeks, i just wondering which one is correct.

by Teak, Jul 25, 2008 09:20PM
What was your risk to begin with that brought you to this forum?

by Kerano, Jul 25, 2008 09:21PM
To: Teak
So, ya think the "T" word?  

by Teak, Jul 25, 2008 09:22PM
To: Kerano
No doubt about it.

by mike_no, Jul 26, 2008 07:46AM
To: Kerano
RNA PCR is an excellent test for early detection since it directly looks for the HIV genetic material in the body directly.

RNA PCR is for early detection, test at the 14 th day after the exposure backed up by an antibody test at the 12th week is good enough to rule out HIV.

"These tests, which are more costly and used less often than antibody