Other tests that you will hear about are Viral Load tests. These tests are used by physicians to monitor their patients who have already tested positive for HIV antibodies. Viral Load tests are very costly and have never been approved by the FDA for HIV status diagnosis because of the possibility of false-positive and false-negative results. Therefore, they should not be used to determine if one is HIV-positive.
Note: A person who tests positive on a Viral Load cannot obtain a letter of HIV diagnosis based on those results. They must still test positive on an HIV antibody test in order to get the diagnosis. A letter of diagnosis is required to register with most AIDS Service Organizations and to qualify for many governmental assistance programs.
Awaiting PCR DNA result myself .I chose it because of it's definitive negative ,and only after extensive other tests . But Suicidal07 is correct, a positive test even if true , will only send you to other tests for confirmation, so it's positive is by no means final . Sort of a better look , but I've issues that complicate diagnosis that you two do not .
It is the test Dr. Bob uses : " A DNA PCR test is used to determine if any HIV is present whatsoever. A person can have a very low RNA level but still have a positive DNA . That would indicate HIV is present but not actively replicating very much . (The PCR RNA would be " undetectable' ). That is wht I would recommend a qualitative DNA PCR to sort out disputed or indeterminate serological tests ." Nov 23, 2007 )
If you archive "DNA PCR " he mentions in other posts that a false DNA test should be suspected with low numbers and the false positive result confirmed with other tests .
To virginhoe: Have you not had antibody tests ? Elisa or rapid ?
i am having one tomorrow from a bunch of unprotected oral and frot exposures... i am terrified now, i had a night sweat last night and diarrhea. omg im so scared now.