Help me interpret myHIV RNA PCR TEST RESULTS. Am I HIV postiive or negative?

[kimmy]

Hi there,

I had unprotected sex 4 weeks ago, had a RNA PCR test done after 27 days. I know it's not a diagnostic test, but I wanted to check if there are any HIV Ag present.

I got my HIV RNA PCR Cobas Ampliprep/Taqman Results, but I am quite confused about the whole viral load and the conclusion of the results.

Below is the results I received, can I know if it means I am HIV positive or negative?

RESULTS IN COPIES/mL.

Interpretation.
1. Target not detected. Sample provided does not contain HIV-RNA1

2.< 20 HIV-1 RNA detected. Comment: below the lower limit of
linear range of the assay. These results should
be interpreted with caution.

3. >=20 to 1.0 x 10 ^7 Comment: HIV -1 RNA detected within the linear range of
the assay

4. >=1.0 to 10 ^7 Comment: HIV -1 RNA detected above the linear range of
the assay.


NOTE: Linear reporting range of the assay is 20 - 1.0 x 10^7 copies/ml

Are the HIV amounts detected as viral loads, or does that the number 1 comment means that I am HIV negative or positive? Are no. 2,3 and 4 all viral loads or are they an indication that I am positive?

Thanks.

[jkinatl2]

That's a negative result.

[kimmy]

Hi guys,

Apparently my rna pcr test is negative on the 28th day. But this week is the 10th week, and I have flu +mild fever +sore throat.

Many websites mention that symptoms only appear within 6-8 weeks, but this is the 10th week and I had the flu +sore thorat + mild fever.

Should I be worried or is it most prolly just a normal flu attack?

[RapidRod]

Symptoms or lack of will not tell you anything about your status. 3 months post exposure testing is when you can obtain a conclusive negative test result.

[Ann]

Kimmy,

Sometimes when it feels like you have the flu, you have the flu. If you continue to feel unwell, see a doctor.

You need to test with an antibody test (not another PCR) in two weeks time - twelve weeks after your unprotected incident.

Your result will be conclusive and I fully expect it to be a negative result.

You need to learn from this and stop having unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse. Here's what you need to know in order to avoid hiv infection:

You need to be using condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, every time, no exceptions until such time as you are in a securely monogamous relationship where you have both tested for ALL sexually transmitted infections together.

To agree to have unprotected intercourse is to consent to the possibility of being infected with an STI. Sex without a condom lasts only a matter of minutes, but hiv is forever.

Have a look through the condom and lube links in my signature line so you can use condoms with confidence.

Anyone who is sexually active should be having a full sexual health care check-up, including but not limited to hiv testing, at least once a year and more often if unprotected intercourse occurs.

If you aren't already having regular, routine check-ups, now is the time to start. As long as you make sure condoms are being used for intercourse, you can fully expect your routine hiv tests to return with negative results.

Don't forget to always get checked for all the other sexually transmitted infections as well, because they are MUCH easier to transmit than hiv. Some of the other STIs can be present with no obvious symptoms, so the only way to know for sure is to test.

Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, correctly and consistently, and you will avoid hiv infection. It really is that simple!

Ann