Follow up antibody test on a RNA test...

[Curiousboutdis]

I had a single exposure through an accident in the first week of April.  I had a rapid test done the next week, which was neg.  I spoke with my doctor and he recommended a PCR RNA test, which was done at week 5.  This came back undetectable.  My Doctor said it was the end of it at this time a viral load would be detected.  I read on here this is not a stand alone test, although helps to diagnose, should be followed by a antibody test.  I had an elisa test done the next week: neg.  Then another rapid test at 8 weeks cam back neg.  

Question: If the RNA test came back undetectable at 5 weeks that would mean the body is fighting back, which means the body has created antibodies.  Then a follow up antibody test would come up positive, which is why a follow up antibody is required, right? Please chime in on this.

[Teak]

Don't be pulling up an posting to old threads.

[Lola2288]

Oh wow im reading this 3 years later and see how Teak had trouble understanding your question. Yea I have asked myself that also. I guess if you're recently infected your rna would be really high but yours is undetectable. I don't know why you need a follow up with antibody, im confused too

[Teak]

Have a good day.

[Curiousboutdis]

If I asked the question...then it is obvious that the explanation was not clear and presented well.  Thank you for time wasted... will seek correct info elsewhere.  Can't stand pompous people... *****!

[Teak]

Because it takes time for the antibodies to be detected by the tests. That was already explained to you above.

[Curiousboutdis]

A ruptured condom during vaginal sex exposing me briefly prior to realizing.  I have not had any exposures since.   I am now 11 weeks post incident, and I had not place any more credence into this after the neg 8 week rapid test as a follow up as I thought this would be  sufficient, after the RNA test.   Until today when I decided to research a little more.  So here where I am confused, if the RNA does not detect then why an antibody test also be invalid after that test, if a follow up test is required?

[Teak]

Because it isn't a stand alone test and has to be followed up with an antibody test. As to why you physician said what he did, is beyond me. What was your exposure?

[Curiousboutdis]

Perhaps you can give me your opinion on this for me. If an PCR RNA test came back undetected @ 5 weeks after a possible exposure.   Then why the suggestion for a follow up with antibody test, which mine came back neg at 8 weeks?  And why would a Physician say the RNA @ 5weeks was sufficient?  

[Teak]

An undetectable viral load does not mean a person is not infected. You didn't have a viral load test.

[Curiousboutdis]

So it "IS" possible to have a low viral load (undetecable 5 week RNA) along with no antibodies (neg 8 week antibody) simutaniosly?  

[Teak]

No your thinking is incorrect. There is a period of time when antigens cannot be detected and there is not enough antibodies for the test to detect. Reason for the 3 month conclusive test.