Hello, Dr McGowan, I`m a person who tested HIV negative sera,twice at the 3 months-6 months interval times, I`ve been reading about PCR testing and facts about HIV- persons who are actually infected as determined by the PCR method. I really need your advice,should I take the PCR test -DNA or RNA?- now that 28 weeks have passed sine the last possible exposure-I had many encounters of unprotected sex in the past-to rule out infection? I need to move on with my life.Would be very grateful if you respond to me.Thanks

Wanted.

Thanks for your question. The PCR test is not needed to confirm that a pewrson is not infected. Having a negative antibody test 6 months after an exposure is enough to ensure that you are negative. We sometimes use a PCR test if a person is very sick and may have newly acquired HIV within the first couple of weeks of infection. By 6 months the antibodies wouold be positive and there is no need for a PCR, it can only lead to confusion and unecessary anxiety.

Thanks, JOe