[Question #13709] Prc rna

12 hours ago

Dear Sirs, hello,

Firstly, I would like to thank you for your support and amazing work. You have helped me a lot in the past.

I would like to ask some questions:

1) I am planning to take an Hiv Rna Pcr test around 15 days post exposure. Will it be conclusive? Will i need a confirmatory test at 45 test with a 4th generation test?

2) As I have been inconsistent with my thyroid medication for a long period of time and constantly mixing my doses (I was supposed to take 2 times per week t4 LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM 150μg and 5 times per week 137μg LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM but was mixing them for a long period of time, as I said, and thus taking some periods higher and lower doses) can this affect the result of the Pcr rna test?

3) The lab i will visit claims to do a "molecular detection (qualitative), but also quantification of the virus (measurement of the viral load in the blood of positive virus carriers)." Is this the Pcr Rna test? I am writing from South Europe.

Thank you, in advance.

9 hours ago

Ps. Also forgot to tell you that I have a stuffy nose and put xylometazoline HCI 0,05% to my nose. Could this affect the results?

4 hours ago

Ps. Also taking vitamin b12 supplements.

Thank you again

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

2 hours ago

Welcome back to the forum.

You seem to be far more nervous than seems to be warranted. An important principle: there are NO medications, drugs, or medical conditions that alter the reliability or timing of the HIV tests. Your thyroid drugs and underlying thyroid problem, B12, decongestant spray, or stuffy nose make no difference whatsoever. And I mean NONE have any effect, including the most potent immunosuppressive drugs. (In fact, such drugs might make the HIV tests positive more strongly and sooner.)

1) The RNA PCR at 15 days will be conclusive. Many persons at risk and some of their doctors also advise an HIV AgAb (4th generation) blood test after 6 weeks, but it's really not necessary.

2) See above. Regardless of consistency of treatment, there is no effect whatever on your risk of HIV or your test results.

3) Yes, that wording is for the PCR test.

You don't say what your HIV risk is and why you are being tested for it. If you'd like to describe that situation, I might have more to say -- likely additional reassurance; it's up to you. In the meantime I hope these comments are helpful.

HHH, MD

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