My question relates to the HIV RNA Qualitative PCR tests.

From reading previous posts, the nature of the exposure/s is irrelevant as long as the test result is negative. My exposures involved unprotected vaginal and oral sex on a week’s vacation at Christmas with a female friend I knew from college (I am Male). It happened more than once.

From again reading other posts on the forum, HIV is always detected in the blood by 11 days afterwards?

20 days after the last time we had sex, I had blood taken for the HIV RNA Qualitative PCR. My results came back ‘not detected’ for both HIV 1&2.

The nurse described my exposures as ‘virtually zero risk’ and said she would not have recommended testing at all, however has said that my results are now ‘1000% concrete’ and ‘no further HIV testing is needed’.

My questions are:

1. Do you agree with the nurse?

2. Is there a chance this ‘not detected’ result could turn positive?

3. Can I resume having unprotected sex with my current girlfriend without fear of infecting her?

Thank you

John

The casual encounters that you describe with low risk. Most people do not have STI‘s including HIV.  I am guessing that it is your sense that your casual partner is low risk.  Even more important however, is that you have had a negative HIV. RNA PCR test at a time when your results are conclusive.  As you have learned when persons acquire each should be the HIV RNA, PCR tests are reliably positive anytime more than 11 days, following an exposure of concern  With regard to your specific questions:

1.  Yes

2.  There is no realistic chance that your tests will become positive at this time or in the future following your negative result.

3.  I would have no concerns about the possibility of you infecting your regular partner with HIV as a result of casual encounters that you described.

I hope this information is helpful to you. EWH.

My friend had recently exited a relationship at the time of our encounters. She did also admit (albeit after our encounters) that she had a ‘friends with benefits’ shortly before our vacation and I had no idea whether these encounters were protected or not.

It was because of this that I decided to get tested for HIV.

So in summary: I am in the clear regarding HIV and can move on without any fear whatsoever?; and no more HIV testing is needed?

I am aware that you and Dr Handsfield have never been wrong with your analysis, hence I am reaching out for assurance.

John