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Do I need to retest after a negative HIV-RNA report?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had sex with a massage girl a month back with a condom. But I am not sure about condom break. I had a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) RNA (Ribonucleic acid) test 21 days late. It came back negative. So do I need to take another test, or can it be concluded that I do not have HIV?

Kindly advise.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Yes, you need to go for a fourth-generation ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay).

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply,

When should I go for it? I have seen in a couple of threads that if we get negative in HIV RNA (Human immunodeficiency virus ribonucleic acid) after 11 days, we do not have any HIV, as RNA is the early detection of HIV compared to the antibody test. Is it true? Can you explain?

Kindly advise.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

HIV RNA (Human Immunodeficiency Virus Ribonucleic acid) is a specific test, and the sensitivity of the fourth generation is very high. Even higher than HIV RNA, so you need to go for fourth-generation testing at four weeks. Are you experiencing any symptoms?

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply,

Last week, I got a cold with a sore throat, and it lasted for four days. I did not have a fever, but a little bit feverish due to a cold. Are these the symptoms?

Kindly advise.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

No, these are not.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At May 30, 2018
Reviewed AtFebruary 20, 2026

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