A member asked:

1.how reliable, accurate antibodytest at 6 week post possible exposure? 2.how reliable, accurate pcr plasma test at 8 weeks even if viral load low?

A doctor has provided 1 answer
Dr. Natalie Sieb answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

HIV: The antibody test is pretty reliable, and would be reliable 6 weeks post exposure. It would theoretically be able to test positive after 5-10 days post exposure. The RT-PCR test is highly sensitive and specific but a second test should be done if the viral load was low to rule out a false positive test. A repeat RT-PCR and viral load should be redrawn and this would be a true positive if higher.

Answered 5/23/2015

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