Testing advice

[PCRworriedguy]

hello experts if some one had an exposure and cant wait for antibody test what PCR test should ask for ? I see PCR DNA and RNA .
What is the difference between RNA and DNA ?
what is the accuracy of PCR test ?
Does a negative PCR test exlude HIV ?

[RainLover71]

If you agreed to have a DUO when I suggested it this would have been a very short post.

[PCRworriedguy]

ok ok i understand and i must win the longest post award

[Godwillsaveme]

it's called DUO:

1- Antibodies: it detects both antibodies for HIV 1 & 2
2- Antigen: it detects the antigen on HIV 1

[LIZZIE LOU]

oh that is getting a little long winded.

if you had an exposure...here is what you need to have:

duo at 4 weeks
OR
antibody at 6 weeks

either will give you a VERY GOOD indication of your status.

follow up at 3 months for a conclusive result.

[PCRworriedguy]

so it will detect HIV 2 antibodies at 3 months right ?

[RainLover71]

The elisa part of the test looks for HIV1 & 2 the antigen part looks only for HIV1.

[PCRworriedguy]

how not HIV 2 ? If the test says HIV 1/2 ?

[RainLover71]

Not HIV2 but that is so rare anyway.It's a west african problem mainly.

[PCRworriedguy]

one last question will it detect all HIV types ?

[RainLover71]

Yes,that is the perfect way to test--4 weeks & 13 weeks.All the best.

[PCRworriedguy]

i will do it @ 4 weeks another time @ 13 weeks will it be good ?

[RainLover71]

It is good quality--it's free here in Australia and it's top quality.Look,if you want a result that's going to be 95% reliable then go and take the test,if you want to wait 3 months then go ahead,it's your choise.

[PCRworriedguy]

why its so cheap here ? Maybe not good quality ?

[RainLover71]

It's an excellent test so go and spend your $20.00 and go and have it.

[Habadoo]

QED

[RainLover71]

NO

[Habadoo]

Teak,RainLover
Has anyone ever had the DUO test at 28 days that was negative, and later turned positive at 3months? Any documented case?

[PCRworriedguy]

man im not talking about its price im asking is this a good test or a rapid test kit like ora quick ?

[RainLover71]

I know I know,in Australia the DUO is FREE.

[PCRworriedguy]

guys im really lost in here the test they have is ELISA p24+Ab HIV 1/2 and it cost only 20 dollars by the way im not in the US

[Teak]

Won't detect HIV 2 any earlier and the expense of the test isn't justifiable.

[RainLover71]

It can give you are great idea as to your HIV status though.That's why it was designed and approved for in the first place--for early detection and to cut the window period.

[Teak]

A DUO test costs apx. 164 dollars  an ELISA is less than 50.  The DUO test cannot give a conclusive negative test result any earlier than any other HIV test.

[RainLover71]

My information is not incorrect--the US only approved the DUO in june 2010--that's how behind they are with testing.The RNA is an accurate test I should have said but is not stand-alone,it's another name for the NAT test and that test is used to screen blood donors so it must be accurate.The DUO is the ag + ab test.There is no use taking an ELISA test at 3 weeks because it's to early.You need to enquire about the DUO.