POZ Community Forums
HIV Prevention and Testing => Do I Have HIV? => Topic started by: critical_mass on August 23, 2006, 04:47:22 pm
-
I had protected sex with a stripper over 2 months ago. I got a pcr by dna and elisa test at day 54. How accurate is the Pcr by dna test? I read that it's almost conclusive after 28 days. If this is the case, why isn't this test used more than the standard elisa test? Does anybody know how accurate the pcr test is? The counselor at the testing center said it's about 98% accurate after 28 days.
Confused
-
That test, though highly sensitive was never designed for diagnostic purposes. And yes, a negative at 28 days is considered the next-best-thing to an all clear.
For diagnostic purposes the ELISA is still the recommended test to be done at 13 weeks after a risky incident.
You had protected intercourse so there wasn't any need for testing to begin with. Condoms provide very effective protection against HIV transmission.
Read the lessons on this site about transmission and testing and you'll get some useful info about the basics.
This time out you have no cause for concern nor for further testing unless you need it just for your own peace of mind.
Cheers,
-
Hey thanks
is it because it gives so many false positives
-
mass,
Yes, the PCR test is not approved for diagnostic purposes because it throws up a high number of false positives.
You didn't need testing in the first place. You are without doubt hiv negative.
Ann
-
wouldn't you rather have a false positive than negative? For future reference how sensitive is the pcr by dna test. If it shows up negative is it conclusive after 28 days
-
No that is not a conclusive test at 28 days.
-
wouldn't you rather have a false positive than negative?
Yes, which is why tests tend to skew towards the sensitive rather than the accurate. Which is why multiple tests, taken at the appropriate time, constitute a valid HIV diagnosis.
A PCR test, if reactive, must be followed by a standard ELISA/WB test at 13 weeks, along with post-diagnostic testing, to fully confirm HIV.
-
Is a negative pcr test at 52 days a good thing or did is it a waste of money
-
Is a negative pcr test at 52 days a good thing or did is it a waste of money
That's an impossible question to answer without considering the circumstances. In your case (protected sex) it was a waste of money as you didn't have a risk of an infection - however if it calmed your fears than maybe for you it was worth the money.
Most people in your situation would be advised against taking the PCR test and to simply screen for HIV as part of their annual health/std check up. (ie no need to rush out and test because of an instance of protected sex)
-
yes, I understand but condoms aren't a 100% guarantee
-
Only if you don't use them or put them on correctly.
-
yes, I understand but condoms aren't a 100% guarantee
Condoms, used correctly will prevent HIV infection - the "aren't 100% guarantee" you are referring to is because people use them incorrectly or in rare circumstances they break during intercourse (an event which you would certainly have noticed).
You also need to realize that this stripper may not have been positive, even if she was positive and you had unprotected sex it does not guarantee you would have been infected. However, lucky for you, you did the right thing and had protected sex. Doesn't it seem like the cards are in your favor when you add all this up??