Dear Dr. Sean Cummings,
My situation is the following: I'm on PEP finishing next Tuesday 10th May. Therefore I would like to do things right in order of being confidence about future results. Let me ask you some doubts about some info you've posted on some patients, -hopping it does not disturb you the copy & paste-:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/HIV---International/Brief-Dip--HIV-Risk--PEP/show/1422251 Dec 29, 2010 11:29AM “...Therefore my logic is to do a PCR RNA** test at 7 days after completing PEP followed by a 4th generation combined HIV 1 and 2 antibody test and p24 antigen at 14 days after completion and then to stick to the guidelines which say to test 4 months after completing PEP.“
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/HIV---International/Scared-after-PEP/show/1432566 Jan 09, 2011 09:42AM
"...You are right to say that where we have taken a DUO immediately or shortly after completion of PEP..."
however I've also found this:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/HIV---International/HIV-Testing--PEP/show/1506923#post_6852411 Apr 23, 2011 08:28AM "...PEP does alter HIV testing results. PCR's are not reliable during PEP because the object of PEP is to suppress viral replication which is what the PCR is looking for. HIV antibody testing after PEP is also problematic in that we - doctors - worry that we PEP may have altered the body's response to the virus."
My questions are the following:
Q1.- I've been scheduled that I test PCR viral loads at only 6 days post PEP: Should I re-schedule it to to minim 7 days? Is it better as late as possible?
Q2.- if I do what is confirmed on the last post : Could I test VIH 1 2 p24 at 4th week post exposure (right now! (even thought I'm on PEP?!))? Could it be more reliable testing at 14th days after PEP, or after a month*? *:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/HIV-Prevention/What-exactly-is-an-RNA-test/show/100908 Jul 14, 2007, "... an ELISA: EIA test would work just as good and without the risk of false positive"
Thank you so much for your work!