DNA PCR Testing Question?

[ScaredinUSA]

Doc,

I have been searching online for more info regarding DNA PCR Testing of HIV.  Across the boards I have seen a negative consenus on using this test for low risk exposures.

What would be the right time window to take a DNA PCR test?   The test looks for HIV virus DNA, so wouldn't be more accurate earlier than anti-body.  Isn't the DNA present regardless of antibodies?

My concerns are over a 1 time unprotected vaginal sex encounter with a female friend of mine (she said she does not have HIV, she had sex 1 other time only,  unprotected though, between her last HIV test (neg)).  At 40 days (5 weeks,5 days) I could not deal with the stress anymore and took a anti-body test and DNA PCR test (labcorp test from www.areuatrisk.com) and both were negatvie.  I have read all of the posts with time to test positive, etc. If seroconversion hadn't happened at 40 days yet, would a PCR negative results still be valid.  The reason why I am posting is at 70 days post exposure I am having some pressure (not necessarily pain) on the left side of my groin (I can't tell if my lymph nodes are swollen) and have had a headache. I really want to move on from this, as I am about to buy my first home and finally start my adult life.  After the negative results I was fine, but once I felt some pressure in my groin, I started to be concerned again.  

If seroconversion hadn't happend yet at the time of the anti-body test, how reliable would the DNA PCR be at 40 days.  Is the false positive rate and cost of the test the real downside to this testing method, but otherwise it is a very good test?  there is not a lot of information online about this testing method - besides people recommending not to take it for the false positive rate.  

Also, would you recommend a retest?
Thanks for all of your help!

[Teak]

That's what I said to you. The PCR DNA is not a diagnostic test; it is used for people that have HIV to monitor their viral loads. However PCR RNA can be used for helping in diagnosing HIV but it is not a stand-alone test.

[Teak]

Now go back to the link you provided and reread it. It doesn't mention diagnostic at all. It states, monitoring a health of someone with HIV,viral load.

[Ronnie99]

Teak: If you are talking about the PCR RNA viral load test then you are right as it does measure viral load. Summary:

PCR RNA viral load test - A test used in the treatment of HIV+ people. This test can also be used for diagnosis, but is almost uniformly used in treatment settings.

PCR proviral DNA test - A test used to determine if a person is infected with HIV or not. It has no use in treatment of HIV+ people because it is already known whether these people have HIV or not.

[o_g]

Me sux = "i am screwed in the head"/ "not thinking right" (in that sense :(). Damn, what the hell was I thinking writing that. For a min, didn't realize this was a "sexually" TD forum. Indeed straight I am man..

[o_g]

There is a reasoning for that too and I would like to take a shot at that. Reason your doctor opts for PCR DNA Quantitative test is because viral load is not always detectable in blood plasma as seen in case of HIV RNA(taking into consideration same thing applies for HBV viral load as well). But, once PCR DNA turns positive it remains positive throughout life. The DNA test does not actually look for virus in blood plasma but in the cells. Earlier in the infection, the virus is detectable in free flowing blood till it infects the cells. That's why RNA qualitative can detect it earlier as compared to DNA Qualitative and that is the reason labs prefer to use DNA test after at least 2 weeks have passed post exposure.

[o_g]

You are right about chances of false positives and the emotional turmil attached with it but what would u make out of a negative PCR test???