 | ||
   | ||
Email
Glossary |
|
What test after high risk encounter ? Apr 19, 2001 Dear sir, What test would you recommend at 3 months post high risk exposure: a RNA PCR( viral load ), or a DNA PCR. Which one of this is most accurate? What would you say about the acuracy of Ag P24 & ELISA Antibody both -ve after the 3 months exposure ( giving the fact that I've been ARS like symptomatic for almost 2 months now.) Would you think that a negative PCR test at 3 months is final ? Thank you very much, I'm looking forward to your answer. |
||
 |
||||
|
||||
 |
| Response from Mr. Kull
 The only test that I would recommend three months following a high risk exposure would be an HIV antibody test (ELISA/Western Blot). Nothing beats the sensitivity and specificity of the antibody test after the window period has elapsed. PCR tests are not licensed for diagnosing infection and lack the antibody test's accuracy. It is possible for a person who has been HIV infected to have an undetectable viral load (through PCR testing), even without medication. You are also more likely to have a false positive on PCR tests when compared to antibody tests. RMK | ||
 Get Email Notifications When This Forum Updates or Subscribe With RSS
|
||||
|
||||
Q&A TERMS OF USE
This forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not rendering medical, mental health, legal or other professional advice or services. If you have or suspect you may have a medical, mental health, legal or other problem that requires advice, consult your own caregiver, attorney or other qualified professional.
Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither TheBody.com nor any advertiser is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Review our complete terms of use and copyright notice.
