[Question #8598] Follow-up to #8581

42 months ago

In interpreting my PCR test values, the viral load came back at less than 40 copies per ml, with a detection limit of 40 copies per ml.

Would this indicate no viral particles were detected. Things that keep you up at night.

It was an RT-qPCR test with detection capability of 40 to 1000000 copies/ml.

42 months ago

I would also assume viral load at 18 days would be substantial in an early infection scenario? The less than 40 copies per ml had my mind racing, but I am assuming that is just an indication of having a result below the detection limit of the test?

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

42 months ago

*Sigh*

From the closing comment in your other thread: "This combination of tests probably would detect around 95% of new HIV infections, and is 100% proof your symptoms aren't due to HIV." You're obsessing about nothing. "Less than 40 copies" does not mean that some number under 40 is present. And yes, if you had HIV the viral load by 18 days would be at several thousand. As advised last time, feel free to have another AgAb test. At 6 weeks, that alone would be conclusive. But you don't even need to wait that long. A negative result at 4 weeks (which must be pretty soon now), in combination with your negative PCR test, will prove 100% you aren't infected.

Maybe another statistic will help you calm down. In the 15 year history of this and our preceding forum, with thousands of questions about people worried about possibly being infected with HIV, not one person has reported that they turned out to be infected. You will not be the first. If and when that happens, I'm confident it will be from a genuinely high risk exposure -- e.g. unprotected anal with a known infected person, probably in a man having sex with other men. It certainly won't be from a trivially risky event like you had.

Really, mellow out. There is simply no way you have HIV.

HHH, MD

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42 months ago

Got it. Paranoia my destroyer. I was thinking as you say there was possibly a lower limit of viral copies lurking in the test results.

Thanks for the quick follow-up and please close the thread.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

42 months ago

Thanks for the follow-up comment; I'm glad to hear you're making headway in resolving your concerns. Unless you insist on closing the thread, there is no reason it cannot remain open for one more cycle, e.g. if you might like me to comment your next test result. And by the way, that really doesn't need to wait until 6 weeks. The AgAb tests are conclusive by themselves at 6 weeks. But the combination of negative PCR around 2 weeks plus AgAb (or third generation antibody) at 4 weeks is equally conclusive. And if I recall the timing, it should be only a few days until 4 weeks after the exposure.

But let me know if you'd like the thread closed anyway.

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42 months ago

Ok Doctor,

I will take your advice and retest at the end of this week, for confirmation. If we can leave the thread open until I receive the results it would be appreciated.

Thankyou.

42 months ago

Good evening Doctor.

Received my 4 week 4th Gen tests which came back as non-reactive. My understanding is no further testing is required in conjunction with the previous PCR test result, and the results are conclusive.

Thank you once again for providing your expertise.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

42 months ago

Your understanding is correct. Thanks again for the thanks.---