[Question #12485] HIV 1 and 2 RNA PCR

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7 months ago
Dear Doctors

I hope you can put my mind at rest. In November I (stupidly) had unprotected intercourse and oral from an ex-gf. She told me that she was clear of STI’s, but she later said that she was in fact tested back in March 2024. I know she was seeing someone in the UK until recently (but whether this has been protected, I do not know and regrettably we no longer speak).

I was tested for Syphilis, p24 antigen, HIV 1 and 2 exactly 14-days from the last time we had sex. Whilst negative, the test provider told me they checked for antibodies only, which I now understand was meaningless in that timeframe. With HIV being my main concern, I paid for an HIV RNA PCR. This was done exactly 21-days post event and the result was ‘not detected’ for HIV 1 and 2.

The Pathologist said this 21-day result is conclusive and I can move on. However, I would like a second opinion from experts like yourselves. Do you also agree that I am clear and this result will not change?

Thank you in advance. I should add that I have experienced no symptoms bar tiredness lately (but I think that could be stress related over this)
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7 months ago
Doctors - apologies, I should add that this was not a one-off encounter and we had sex 3 times total. Both the original blood test and HIV RNA PCR were taken after the final encounter (14 and 21 days respectively)
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
7 months ago
Welcome to the Forum.  Thanks for your question.  I can confirm what the pathologist told you- your results are conclusive and prove that you did not acquire HIV of any sort from the low risk encounter you describe.  HIV RNA PCR test results are conclusive any time more than 11 days following a possible exposure.  Your 21 day results are conclusive and do not need repeating.  EWH---
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7 months ago
Thank you, Dr Hook. In your experience, does this mean that there is zero chance of this negative result turning positive? 

I have tried to browse previous responses for this question on the forum but cannot see if this has been answered already.

I appreciate the time you have taken to assist. Please feel free to close the thread after this.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
7 months ago
As I said, the results are CONCLUSIVE.  They will not change.  There is no need for further testing.  

Closing the thread now.  EWH
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