Confused by RNA test result

[fish123]

I am terrified and confused by my recent RNA test result. First, about my potential exposure. I might have performed unprotected oral on a man about 5.5 weeks ago. I say "might" because I unfortunately drank in excess and don't remember the details of the event. I later had a sore inner lip, which could have had tiny cuts on it. Of course I assumed that HIV could get into those cuts. I do not know the man's status regarding HIV or any other STDs.

In my panic, I have been tested for every STD. They all came back negative, except maybe the HIV one. Four weeks after the event, I had an Oraquick and RNA test done. I am aware that four weeks is in the window period for antibody tests, and that RNA tests produce false positives and should not be used for diagnostic purposes. I stupidly chose to take these tests because I thought it would calm me down. Anyway, the Oraquick came back negative. The RNA came back with this result: HIV-1 RNA by PCR <20 copies/mL; The reportable range for this assay is 20 to 10,000,000; log10 HIV-1 RNA Unable to calculate result since non-numeric result obtained for component test.

I was told this is most likely a false positive result, but that I should take another RNA to confirm. I've also been told that it's a negative or non-conclusive. I have a hard time understanding what's happening. I do intend to take another antibody test at the 12 week mark, but would appreciate any clarification at this point.

[Jeff G]

The bottom line is you must confirm your results at 3 months any way . I would suggest you disregard the RNA test and take an oraquick at 6 weeks . A 6 weeks negative oraquick is all but definitive and is not likely to change but must be confirmed at 12 weeks .

I offer this advice because I know you will want to test but the truth is you didn't have a risk giving a blowjob and didn't need to test over this incident anyway .

   

[fish123]

For what it's worth - which I realize is not much - I took an Oraquick 5 weeks after the incident too, and that was also negative. (I know this is not rational behavior given the very low risk event.) I will take another at the 6- and 12-week points.

[Ann]

Fish,

You haven't had a risk for hiv infection. Giving blowjobs is more a theoretical risk than anything. Unless your oral health is absolutely terrible (that little sore doesn't count), you're worrying unnecessarily.

The RNA came back with this result: HIV-1 RNA by PCR <20 copies/mL;

That result means undetectable, which means, in your case, negative. Whoever told you it was a "false positive" result doesn't know what the hell they're talking about.

You can continue testing if you want, but that five week negative result isn't going to change over this no risk event.

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.

ALTHOUGH YOU DO NOT NEED FURTHER HIV TESTING AT THIS TIME, 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

[fish123]

Thank you, Ann and Jeff. That is a relief.

Ann, the person who told me it was a false positive (or possibly a regular positive) works for an online company that sells lab tests. I don't have a doctor at the moment because I don't have insurance, so I don't have a doctor to interpret these results. I know that it's in the interest of his company to tell me that I should buy another RNA test, which is why I was skeptical of his interpretation. The company told me I need to give them the name of my doctor (which I don't have) if I choose to not do further RNA tests with them. This is frustrating for obvious reasons.

The confusing thing for me is that it doesn't say positive or negative anywhere on the result. It's just <20 copies/mL. From my endless Googling on this subject, I have found that it's possible to have an undetectable viral load of 1-19. That seems super unlikely, though, since I am not on treatment and didn't have antibodies at week 5. Anyway, I'm going to try to carry on without worrying about this too much. Thanks again for your responses.

[RapidRod]

Thank you, Ann and Jeff. That is a relief.

Ann, the person who told me it was a false positive (or possibly a regular positive) works for an online company that sells lab tests. I don't have a doctor at the moment because I don't have insurance, so I don't have a doctor to interpret these results. I know that it's in the interest of his company to tell me that I should buy another RNA test, which is why I was skeptical of his interpretation. The company told me I need to give them the name of my doctor (which I don't have) if I choose to not do further RNA tests with them. This is frustrating for obvious reasons.

The confusing thing for me is that it doesn't say positive or negative anywhere on the result. It's just <20 copies/mL. From my endless Googling on this subject, I have found that it's possible to have an undetectable viral load of 1-19. That seems super unlikely, though, since I am not on treatment and didn't have antibodies at week 5. Anyway, I'm going to try to carry on without worrying about this too much. Thanks again for your responses.

You never had an exposure.

[Ann]

Fish,

You don't have to give anyone your (non-existent) doctor's name.

You do not need further hiv testing over this NO RISK situation.

PCR tests are NOT diagnostic tests - therefore they're not going to give you positive or negative results. Regardless of what result you get on a PCR test, it still must be backed up with antibody testing. In your case this is a moot point as you have not had a risk.

Please re-read your entire thread until it sinks in.

Ann