DNA for HIV in 72 hours?

[Max_peters]

Is it true that the DNA  can detect for HIV and HSV 2 within 72 hours? and how is that compare to Antibodies test?
Thank you

[mike_no]

Max,

NAT's are very different from the antibody test, the antibody tests looks for the immune response to the HIV. On the other hand, the NAT's detect the genetic material of HIV itself. NAT generally gives positive results much sooner than standard antibody testing would, making it useful in situations where early diagnosis is necessary. An RNA PCR test will produce a positive test result within two to three weeks. A DNA PCR test will provide positive results within three to four weeks (sometimes sooner)

Now, just like the antibody tests the NATs will not have the generic detection because they are very sensitive tests designed specifically for designated strands of the virus. Having said that, PCR HIV - 1 would detect;

1. Group M - A, B, C, D, F, G, H, J and K.
2. Group O
3. Group N

The HIV -2 and it's subtypes viz; A, B, C, D, E, F, G would be only detected by a PCR RNA / DNA HIV- 2

[snippets69]

It's possible, but 3 days sounds a bit early to be reliable.  At 10 days, if you have HIV, an RNA test will detect it.