[Question #11891] hiv pcr

11 months ago

hello doctor ...

2 weeks ago i had a high risk case which is having sex without condom , after 10 days of that i have been tested by this test HIV-1 Quantitative by PCR

the result came <30

comment:

Reagents: Aptima® HIV-1 Quant Dx test on the Panther system (Hologic®). Theoretical quantification threshold: 30 copies/ml (1.47 log) plasma.

Linear range from 30 to 10 000 000 copies/ml (1.47 to 7 log copies/ml).

i did not understand the result , and if its negative how relaible it is , any further testing ??

thank you

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

11 months ago

Welcome back and thanks for your continued confidence in our services. I reviewed your three previous discussions with Dr. Hook, most recently two years ago.

Your HIV test result is negative. Although the test is geared to detect no more than 30 HIV RNA copies per ml, all infected people have at least hundreds and usually thousands to millions. The report of <30 (i.e. less than 30) means that for sure you do not have HIV.

Many experts advise a second test. Although your negative result is theoretically conclusive, you might consider also having an antigen-antibody (AgAb, "4th generation") blood test in a few weeks. However, this is optional -- it's up to you.

Final comment: Your probably don't need a lecture about condom use. But I hope you've learned from this experience and that it won't happen again.

I hope these comments are helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear. Best wishes.

HHH, MD

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11 months ago

thank you doctor for your help and for sure never again