A member asked:

Are hiv rna and hiv pcr the same tests? how soon after potential exposure can you get a conclusive result?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

HIV viral load tests: The short answer is 'yes' -since HIV-1 is an RNA virus. We quantify how much virus is there per drop of blood by using PCR technology (polymerase chain reaction if you must know). These days, the tests are extremely good -so after an exposure, this kind of testing could pick up positive results within 2 or 3 weeks. If you think you've been exposed, see an ID doc immediately-they could help w/ meds

Answered 5/3/2020

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