False Negative PCR RNA?

[hopeimwell]

I Had a low risk (but still risky) exposure to a person with high risk of being infected. Ten days later, I developed several ars symptoms for a week.
On day 18, I performed a Real Time RNA PCR exam and a ELISA Duo test. Both came out negative. I understand that Elisa is only 100% conclusive after 4 weeks, but according to my doctor, if I indeed I would have been through ARS, necessarily I would  show at least a positive viral load. Is this this correct?
Are any documented or known cases of false-negative pcr during the acute phase?

Thanks

[kapster1978]

Sleeplessnights34 is completely right. With the advise.
For ease of mind take 4th gen ELISA at 4 weeks.(this combined with the earlier tets will give you a very very very close to definite result, depending on the risk taken if it's a low risk encounter most experts will take the 4th gen test as conclusive) But official guideline conclusive is after 12 weeks.

Ps. If you would have had ARS and you tested after two days of having the symptoms with RNA PCR and ELISA Duo testing. They would have been positive! ARS is a reaction of the body on the virus. If you have ARS, the antibodies are in high volumes in blood to fight with the virus.(but with HIV they can't win sadly) so the symptoms can't be from HIV!

[sleeplessnights34]

You're welcome.

" I would necessarily have either the virus to make me feel bad or the antibody for it."

You would "most probably" have had the virus detected or "most probably" the antigen. Because 18 days is way to soon to rely on the antibody portion of the test for anything near conclusive.
So, basically your results are based on viral load and the P24 antigen. As I said before, none of these two are considered stand alone tests, but the combination is a brilliant indication and greatly minimizes your chances of infection. However, once again, I still think the right thing to do is to get tested at 12 weeks post exposure for a conclusive result.

[sleeplessnights34]

A negative RNA at 18 days is an excellent indication, but the guidelines are 3 months, and these tests are not considered stand alone diagnostic tests. Your DUO at 18 days was also a little too early, but also a great indication.
What are your chances for a 12 week antibody test ? Very close to zero.
Some doctors may even say conclusive for the results you already have  according to their own assessments, but "I" am not a doctor, therefore I must stick to the guidelines and advise testing at 12 weeks for a conclusive result.

[hopeimwell]

Hi Sleepless, thank you for your response. I agree with you in every word. I do understand that the safe side of a general guideline says 3 months, as well as I do understand that the doctors rationale was that if indeed I was experiencing ARS, I would necessarily have either the virus to make me feel bad or the antibody for it. Therefore this is why these results had given me such peace of mind for all this time.

On the other hand, I still have the doubt regarding any possible case of false-negative. Have you ever heard of such thing?
Someone who was suspect of an infection, initially tested negative on RNA, but that results changed later?

Thanks!