How soon after exposure is RNA PCR for HIV reliable?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 29-year-old male homosexual. I had a sexual encounter 15 days ago with a confirmed HIV positive guy. I gave him a blow job with a condom, and we smooched. He also blew me, but I was not putting on a condom, and when he spat out, there was a streak of blood in the spit. He says he has a sinus problem, so he has blood in his spit, not in his mouth. I checked his mouth, and there were no sores or bleeding gums. What are my chances of infection in this case? We did not ejaculate in each other's mouths, nor did we have any kind of penetrative sex. I came to know two days back that he is positive. I am showing acute HIV symptoms, burning eyes, nose, and lips. I am unable to sleep. Can I go for RNA PCR? After how many days will the RNA PCR be accurate?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

There is certainly a sizeable risk of transmission. Since he spat blood, whatever the source may be, it means he has had viruses in his oral cavity. HIV RNA or p24 antigen test, both are equally good at becoming positive in a one to two-week period after infection, so you may get tested now. However, it is better to get combined p24 or RNA and antibody testing done. Burning eyes and nose do not necessarily mean HIV. Repeat testing should be done after two weeks.

I hope this helps.

Please feel free to reach out in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, as I mentioned above, these tests become positive after one to two weeks, so considering they were done on the 12th day, these should have been positive in the majority of HIV infected patients. Also, there is a probability that we can miss, as this is not one hundred percent. So you should get the same test done again at four weeks.

I hope this helps.

Please feel free to reach out in case of further queries.

Thank you.