[Question #6132] HIV testing
71 months ago
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Hi, I had a risky encounter 36 days ago. I have had some tests done. HIV RNA at 14 days and a fourth generation test at 28 days. Today at day 36 I took another RNA test and another 4th generation test. If these come back negative are they conclusive? So much conflicting info on internet. Thanks
71 months ago
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I forgot to mention the rna test at 14 days was negative and the 4th generation test at 28 days was negative. Waiting on results from today which is 36 days for the rna test and 4th generation test I took today
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
71 months ago
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Welcome to the forum.
Unless you had an especially high risk expaosure, you have been overtested. The negative RNA test at 14 days was nearly conclusive (around 98-99%); and the combination of that result plus the negative antgien-antibody (AgAb, 4th gen) test at 28 days is 100% proof you didn't catch HIV. You didn't need the 36 day AgAb test and can be certain it will also be negative.
So you're home free, no chance you have HIV. I hope this information is helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.
HHH, MD
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71 months ago
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Thanks doctor, I just want to be sure. I was not sure when the RNA test is conclusive so I did both the rna test again today along with the fourth generation. It seems you are confident I will be ok. I read the rna test is not conclusive till 28 days
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
71 months ago
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Although the individual tests have certain times to become conclusive, the combination of negative RNA at 14 days and AgAb test at 28 days is conclusive. That's what we recommend commonly on this forum, and I would have advised against the additional tests, especially the repeat RNA test. In any case, you're home free now, which will be confirmed when you get the 36 day test results.---
71 months ago
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Great, thanks. Last question, when is rna test conclusive? Thanks again
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
71 months ago
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By itself, RNA is nearly conclusive (90-95%) at 14 days and virtually 100% by 3 weeks, according to most estimates. (That's all they are, estimates without conclusive data -- which is why various sources will give somewhat different times).
That concludes thsi thread. I hope the disucssion has been helpful.
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