Reliability of PCR test

[nervous123]

I had possible exposure to HIV.  It was 2-3 minutes of unprotected vaginal intercourse with a female of unknown status, no ejaculation (I am male). 23 days later I took a PCR test that came back negative.  I am simply wondering how reliable these results are.  Also since I got a negative on my PCR test should I be tested again, and if so when.  

Thank you in advance.

[Teak]

Test at 3 months post exposure to obtain a conclusive test result.

[veryworried777]

I got bad flu, but still had had sex with women for 2-3 minutes, and then found out that the condom was broken. I stopped right there. 6 weeks later, the cough hasn't stopped. I went and tested for HIV-1 PCR, it came out negative. It kinda relieved me, but couple of days later the worries returned. After 7 weeks I got some night sweats (not really bad, I realized that my underwear and tank top are wet). I went and tested for HIV-1, HIV-2 antibodies, and it came out negative again. It relieved me for a little while, but now I am anxious again, and don't know what to do. The only thing on my mind is that I can possibly have HIV. It is killing me. Is there any other tests that I could take to make sure I don't have HIV1 and HIV2? Thank you.

[Anxious and Worried]

DNA by PCR test is conculsive after 28 days- its testing for DNA not antibodies which in most cases will appear in a persons bloop ithin 72 hours after infection.  This is a very reliable test and you should feel free to move on.

[Xhost]

Most companies that offer the PCR test will also tell you to follow up with an antibody test at the appropriate time (which really begs the question why they would offer the PCR test in the first place). If a doctor recommended the test to you, and some do and will, you should probably discuss what to do next with him or her. If you bought this test yourself from a testing front company, did they discuss what to do next?

Most testing companies recommend that the test be taken after 28 days. How valid that is, I don't know. I took a couple of the PCR tests, but in the end decided to follow up with an antibody, mainly  because the testing company from whom I purchased the test recommended that I do so.

Of course, whether or not I really needed the PCR test or should have had one is a different argument altogether. Most people who take them, well, shouldn't.

[desert_rider]

You are right PCR tests for virus itself. I think some virus should be detected after 3 weeks. I do not recommend PCR for anyone unless it is a high risk situation.

[Tommy420]

Nervous guy...I took a PCR test at 29 days. Most places state that a DNA PCR for HIV is conclusive after 28 days. Even though a negative test made me feel better, I took an antibody test at 12 weeks, and it came back negative. After that, I simply convinced myself that I was negative and moved on with my life. A negative PCR at 23 days is pretty good, but I would get an antibody test at 12 weeks just to confirm. Relax, you are fine!

[nervous123]

PCR does not test for the antibodies, therefore seroconversion is not necessay.  PCR actually tests for the virus.  Any other ideas

[Perfectmax]

Do you think that a 27 test would be fairly reliable.  I haven't had any symptoms after the 27 days.  In the beginning I had a lot of symptoms but I feel/hope that they were all due to anxiety.  Never even had a fever, only a 99.5 temp for 4 hours on day.

[sparkeler]

23 days may be a little too early. Most people seroconvert at 26 days.  That said, you did not have much of a risk & it would be a real long shot if you contracted hiv from that incident.