[Question #12559] Accuracy of HIV RNA test

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7 months ago
I took an HIV RNA test 19 day after I had what I thought could have been an exposure.  The test came back “not detected”.  I would like to know how accurate this test is at 19 days in a healthy middle age male.  I looked at several websites but it is a little confusing.

I also some not detected means negative.

I previously asked a question about the chances of getting HIV at a massage parlor.

Thank you.
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
7 months ago
Welcome back but I'm sorry you found it necessary, especially since last time I said the RNA tests are "valid any time 11 days or more after exposure" and therefore your negative test at 19 days is conclusive proof you do not have HIV. As also discussed last time, you were not exposed by the event you described and therefore at no risk for HIV. As you suspected,"not detected" is a negative RNA result. You're fine.

I hope this allows you to move on with no further worry about it.

HHH, MD
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6 months ago
Thank you for your response.  I do have a follow up question.  Is there a concern for syphilis? I was tested at 45 days and the results were negative..  however I’ve noticed in the last couple days a lot of itching and possible rashes and itching on my feet.  
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
6 months ago
No. There was no risk for syphilis. You did not need syphilis testing, and the negative result at 45 proves you do not have it. Syphilis does not cause the kind of skin symptoms you report.---
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6 months ago
Does taking antibiotics for an abscess two weeks before affect the results of syphilis test?
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
6 months ago
Some antibiotics are active against syphilis; others have no effect at all. Most likely, the antibiotic(s) used to treat an abscess would be effective. If so, it would have cured early syphilis if you had it, preventing the blood test from ever becoming positive. If your blood test remains negative, it will prove either that you never had it; or that it was cured. Either way, a negative test result will mean you can go forward with complete confidence you do not have syphilis.

That concludes this thread. Repeated questions about the same exposure or risks are not permitted, so this will have to be your last concerning your risk-free massage exposure several weeks ago. I hope the two discussions have settled your fears. If not, I would suggest professional counseling as the next logical step. Thanks for your understanding.
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