11 days after exsposure (HCV RNA qualitative PCR-real time PCR) ,what is the accuracy ,please
I'v been told that is highly reliable and no need tasting any more.I have done for HIV and HCV and both negative.Some web sites says that this method can be used one week after exsposure some of them says two to three weeks.I'm a bit confused.Is it possible that I have false negative result and do I need retest.Could you please give me your advice
- For HCV , what is the Detection Limit for the PCR ?
- For HIV , Maio Clink Lap says from 10 - 14 Days ?
11 days after exsposure (HCV RNA qualitative PCR-real time PCR) ,what is the accuracy ,please
I'v been told that is highly reliable and no need tasting any more.I have done for HIV and HCV and both negative.Some web sites says that this method can be used one week after exsposure some of them says two to three weeks.I'm a bit confused.Is it possible that I have false negative result and do I need retest.Could you please give me your advice
Thanks
Dear icecube236,
Yes, I meant Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for HCV. HCV RNA PCR is very sensitive and can reliably detect infection 3 weeks after exposure.
HIV can also be reliably detected on HIV PCR 2 to 3 weeks after exposure. The other option for HIV testing is HIV antibody tests that are less expensive, but reliable only after 12 weeks for exposure.
As you mentioned that tattooing was done with new sterile needle, the risk of transmission is as such very low. I recommended repeat testing only in high risk cases, such as needle ***** from known HCV positive person.
Since yours was not a high risk exposure, repeat testing for either infection would not be required.
Hope that this information helps and hope that you will get better soon.
Thank you for using MedHelp's "Ask an Expert" Service, where we feature some of world's renowned medical experts in their fields. Millions have benefitted from our service to get personalized advice for them and for their loved ones.
Best Regards,
Dr. Vaibhav Banait
Thank you for advice ,could you please explain what kind of test is that .Is it PCR or?
What is accuracy of that test and do I need retest on 3 or 6 month if I get negative result after testing that you have adviced me
Thanks
Dear icecube236,
I understand your health concerns.
The risk associated with transmission of HCV and HIV through tattooing is real but small. It is further reduced when disposable needles are used. Currently, HCV is predominantly transmitted by means of percutaneous exposure to infected blood.
But since one can never be sure, it is worth getting yourself tested for HCV and HIV after 2-4 weeks of the incidence with Nucleic Acid tests, if the tattooing is done in a high prevalence area.
Hope that this information helps and hope that you will get better soon.
Thank you for using MedHelp's "Ask an Expert" Service, where we feature some of world's renowned medical experts in their fields. Millions have benefitted from our service to get personalized advice for them and for their loved ones.
Best Regards,
Dr. Vaibhav Banait