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DNA PCR Testing Question?
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!
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!
Depending on the time I took the test and the risk if I would retest again at a later day. I certainly would not test after the 13 week period.
The fact that my link was two years old is irrelevant. The only purpose of a PCR proviral DNA test is for diagnostic purposes. A PCR RNA viral load test is used in the treatment of HIV positive individuals....
Ronnie, stop giving out false information. PCR DNA is not approved for diagnostic purposes. It is not a stand-alone test. PCR RNA is an approved diagnostic test, but it is not a stand-alone test. You show me on article that states PCR DNA is an approved diagnostic test.
Well, in that case only "APTIMA(R) HIV-1 RNA Qualitative Assay" is FDA approved and not any other PCR RNA also.
That way more than 3/4th of the tests used in the world are not F.D.A approved. Wouldn't you be of the view that FDA approval also got a lot to do with PR BS. I can not comprehend food and drug administration comparing the accuracy rates of 2 PCR tests over a million samples to come up with a clear cut conclusion about which 1 is better and so it should be approved. I know this issue takes the discussion further away from the main topic but what is the basis of approval. Man, I seriously have many issues. I think I just added "trust" to the list. We probably got to check who is a major stock holder in this company and what are his associations in the "u know where".
That way more than 3/4th of the tests used in the world are not F.D.A approved. Wouldn't you be of the view that FDA approval also got a lot to do with PR BS. I can not comprehend food and drug administration comparing the accuracy rates of 2 PCR tests over a million samples to come up with a clear cut conclusion about which 1 is better and so it should be approved. I know this issue takes the discussion further away from the main topic but what is the basis of approval. Man, I seriously have many issues. I think I just added "trust" to the list. We probably got to check who is a major stock holder in this company and what are his associations in the "u know where".
A PCR-DNA is used on people that have HIV to monitor their viral load.
I think I deserved that comment from you Teak. I am just not a happy person anymore. Me suX!!!!!!
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