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If symtoms occur before PCR DNA Test, would the test show positive?
If I developed a sore throat and other symptoms 1 week before a 19 post exposure PCR DNA test, would the test detect the virus? Is there any research on this?
I tested negative 19 days after the exposure with the DNA PCR test.
I tested negative 19 days after the exposure with the DNA PCR test.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You simply cannot read a list of HIV symptoms and then assume you have it because you have some of them. 90% of the symptoms listed for HIV occur in probably hundreds of medical conditions, most of them minor. Just read any list of symptoms of pneumonia, mononucleosis, various cancers, influenza, hepaitis, and the common cold. You'll find giant overlap with HIV.
Therefore, lab tests ALWAYS overrule symptoms. Your test is negative. Your initial happiness at the result was entirely justified. I suggest you stop searching the internet about it.
Therefore, lab tests ALWAYS overrule symptoms. Your test is negative. Your initial happiness at the result was entirely justified. I suggest you stop searching the internet about it.
I do have a couple of tiny skin rashes and a headache. I was happy this morning when I tested negative for the PCR test but am concerned again after reading the net. The company I went through swears that it would show.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum.
The symptoms are less important than the timing of the test. Almost all HIV infected persons have positive DNA tests by 19 days after catcthing the virus.
Even among people at highest risk of HIV (e.g., blood exposure to a known positive person), a sore throat probably is a million times more likely due to a garden variety respiratory virus than to HIV. Also, if you had a new HIV infection with symptoms, you should also have fever (usally pretty high) and usually a skin rash. Sore throat is rarely if ever the only symptom of a new HIV infection.
To be 100% certain you didn't acquire HIV 19 days earlier, also have an antibody test at 4-6 weeks. The combination of negative results on both tests will be definitive.
Regards-- HHH, MD
The symptoms are less important than the timing of the test. Almost all HIV infected persons have positive DNA tests by 19 days after catcthing the virus.
Even among people at highest risk of HIV (e.g., blood exposure to a known positive person), a sore throat probably is a million times more likely due to a garden variety respiratory virus than to HIV. Also, if you had a new HIV infection with symptoms, you should also have fever (usally pretty high) and usually a skin rash. Sore throat is rarely if ever the only symptom of a new HIV infection.
To be 100% certain you didn't acquire HIV 19 days earlier, also have an antibody test at 4-6 weeks. The combination of negative results on both tests will be definitive.
Regards-- HHH, MD
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