Antibody tests negative but RNA detected below 20 copies/ml

[dungeonguy]

Hi all,
This is regarding the Hiv tests taken by my partner. She got tested around the 8 week, 9 week and 10 week mark. The first test included Tridot and Elisa test. Results were negative. The next test included Tridot and P24 antigen test. Results negative. The 3rd time, we went for tridot and PCR RNA test. The tridot test result again came back as negative but the PCR RNA test result said RNA detected and below 20 copies/ml. Log value less than 1.3 . The result didn't say target not detected. This result has put us into worry about the result of the RNA PCR test.

[Sara_MHModerator]

You've had negative tests that should confirm that neither you nor your partner have HIV.  Remember that HIV is a fragile virus and difficult to actually get.  You can always speak to your doctor for confirmation of this information.  We are going to close this discussion and wish you and your partner the best.  

*** thread closed ***

[Chima7]

No doctors with knowledge of HIV would tell you to test at 6 months because they will know that is severely outdated information. Furthermore, no one with knowledge of HIV would ever recommend a PCR RNA test because it is NOT used for diagnosing HIV. That test is meant for people who already tested positive to monitor their viral load. If you want to get a conclusive accurate result, take the correct HIV test at the correct time, which is the Ag/Ab combo test at 28 days post exposure, and collect your negative results.

Quit messing around with these tests that are incorrect and clearly not giving you an accurate result, because they are not designed for that purpose anyway. If you want an accurate result then take the right test, obviously.

[dungeonguy]

We have taken the antibody tests which have all been negative till now.

[AnxiousNoMore]

dungeonguy - In response to your question, I meant you have tested negative from Elisa which is conclusive so it will be abnormal if you do any more testing now - after 40 years the scientists have created a test that you can rely on the first time.
Consider therapy if you are unable to accept this advice now that all the facts have been presented from 2 people here.

[dungeonguy]

Is it possible that she has a very low viral load and hence the antibodies weren't produced at all ? Also could you please tell whether the tridot tests are accurate.

[AnxiousNoMore]

The Elisa was conclusive after 28 days so both can't have HIV. It was a waste of time repeating the test or doing the RNA. The science is 40 years old and very proven, so no detail that you add will make either of you at risk for HIV.
RNA gives false positives and is not recommended, so nothing else to say since Elisa was negative.

[dungeonguy]

However in the possible results there the first one was "Target not detected". We got a result saying below 20 copies/ml. Limit of detection of the test is 20 copies/ml. Some doctors said it's not to worry about. Other doctors said you need to get tested at the 6 month period. Some people say the PCR test is very accurate but I'm not able to understand why such a low viral load was detected. And what's the accuracy of tridot tests.

[dungeonguy]

Can you please tell me what you mean by that 40 year comment ?

[AnxiousNoMore]

I meant you have tested negative from Elisa which is conclusive so it will be abnormal if you do any more testing now - after 40 years the scientists have created a test that you can rely on. I will repeat this below in case you miss it here.