Hi Dr. I recently had a massage with a hand job and anal finger (2 mins). After 13 days of the exposure, I got a HIV 1 & 2 Abs p.24 Ag (CMIA) test. Negative. I also got HIV-1 RNA qualitative by real time PCR (process mentioned is reverse transcription RT-PCR) on the same day (after 13 days of exposure). Not detected. Negative. What do I make of these results. Please help. I am really anxious and nervous. Also, the material on the net related to PCR testing is very confusing which is creating a doubt in my mind about the reliability of the test. Thanks.

Hi there,

In the situation you described there was no risk of HIV transmission. You described safe-sex activities that do not warrant testing.

Both PCR DNA and antigen testing are reliable at picking up infections early after someone has been infected, and those test results are good indicators of your true status. However, if you want a conclusive result you must wait until the 90 day mark. At 90 days a rapid test will provide you with a conclusive result.

In health,

Richard