Further testing after -ve on Antibodies and RNA Quant

Question

I did following tests at 7 weeks after possible exposure
1.	HIV RNA Quantitative PCR
2.	HIV Antibodies p24 Combo

Both came non-reactive
egative. Do I need further testing?

Is there a possibility that my body has not produced any antibodies but my viral load is still undetectable at 7 weeks?

RNA test was capable to find 20 copies.

Teak · Answer

I receive a RT PCR-RNA test every lab, I'm undetectable but I've been HIV positive for 29 years. It's a monitoring test for those that are HIV positive.

jjerikjj · Answer

Thanks, sorry for bothering you again, I still have 1 question, 

Q: Can there be a possibility (theory) that at 6-7 weeks Viral load is undetectable (without medications) ? And at the same time antibody is also non-reactive?

If YES please provide your valuable thoughts.

I need to know your valuable opinion, please keep CDC guidelines aside because my question was not directly answered by CDC, I know CDC says PCR RNA is not approved for diagnostic purpose,

Teak · Answer

http://www.cdc.gov/globalaids/Resources/pmtct-care/docs/TM/Module_6TM.pdf 
Page 11 
#4 
  In an adult, a positive HIV antibody test result means that the person is infected, a person with a negative or inconclusive result may be in the “window for 4 to 6 weeks but occasionally up to 3 months after HIV exposure. Persons at high risk who initially test negative should be retested 3 months after exposure to confirm results

jjerikjj · Answer

Thanks Teak, I read lot of your posts and respect you for your knowledge. Can you please us understand why we should not rely on PCR-RNA. As I understand our viral load is certainly detectable after 4 weeks of exposure and PCR-RNA should be able to detect it, No? It is possible that antibodies can made viral load as undetectable but if antibodies as well as viral load is missing then- Is there any theory which can be applicable to justify presence of HIV in this case.

Your answer might help lot of people who do RNA-PCR

Teak · Answer

PCR-RNA tests cannot diagnose HIV by themselves.

cirrusmanor · Answer

Tests taken at 12-13 weeks are considered conclusive. As your tests taken at 7 weeks are a great indicator of your status and are unlikely to change, a test taken at 12-13 week mark would provide you a conclusive answer.