[Question #11348] How often does HIV RNA PCR Test give false positives ? [Cont. to thread #11345]

15 months ago

Thanks to Edward W. Hook M.D. who had helped with my previous thread #11345.

I had submitted blood for HIV RNA PCR Test at the 10 the day [I understand it is conclusive only after 11 days]. On another thread, I did see it was mentioned that HIV RNA PCR Tests gives false positives. Can this be a case?

I want to prepare myself for the worst before I go spiralling with my anxiety. I know on the previous thread #11345 you did mention my case was virtually no risk.

Sorry if the ask is repetitive.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

15 months ago

You need to believe your test results, which confirm the virtually no risk nature of the encounter you described. False positive HIV RNA PCR tests, as well as falsely negative HIV RNA PCR tests are very, very rare.

Please don't worry. If you are having trouble, find a trained counselor to talk with. EWH

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15 months ago

Thank you doc.

I still havent received the test result yet (due in 2 days). I will reply back as soon as I have the same.

Hoping to keep this thread active until then.

15 months ago

Hi Dr. Edward W. Hook,

I got the results from my blood test. The results were exactly as you predicted.

HIV-1 RNA Qualitative - NOT DETECTED
HIV-2 RNA Qualitative - NOT DETECTED
HIV 1&2 (P24 Ag & Ab) S/CO CMIA - Non Reactive
HIV 1&2 (P24 Ag&Ab detection) OD - 0.07 (Non Reactive)

I understand at 10+ days, these might not be conclusive. But considering my virtually no risk exposure, if it were you, would you do another test at 4 weeks or would you move on ?

I yet have to receive the results of my full panel STD Urine test which also I believe is going to be a negative like as you mentioned in the previous thread.

Thank you!

Edward W. Hook M.D.

15 months ago

Thank you for sharing your test results. While the HIVPCR test were not performed at 11 days but a day early, I would consider these results conclusive given the nature of your exposure and would not bother to test again. It is time for you to move on with your life and not worry. EW. ---

15 months ago

Hello Doc,

All my STI results also came back negative (like as you predicted).

Also had a consultation with the Urologist around the discomfort I had with the penis (slightly burning tip and scrotal pain). He said it is NOT Prostatitis/CPPS and asked me to not worry and think about it anymore.

I am on my 3rd week, I am having some sore throat and mild body/muscle aches. Do you think it is showing potential symptoms (since 3rd week is when it all typically starts, body temp is always ~37 deg C) ? (I know the HIV PCR RNA at 10th day came back negative but just worried thinking it isn't conclusive till 11 days)

Thanks!

Edward W. Hook M.D.

15 months ago

I agree with your Urologist that you are worrying too much. Like him, I would suggest you put your fears aside and move forward without concern. Your exposure was no risk and your tests thus far while not quite "conclusive" are negative. If you test at this time, a negative test at this time would prove that your symptoms are not due to HIV. When symptoms are due to HIV, tests are virtually always positive.

This completes this thread. Please don't worry. EWH

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