HomeAnswersHIV/AIDS specialisthiv rna pcr testHow reliable is HIV-RNA test within 10 days of exposure?

I had oral thrush, swollen lymph nodes, and fever after a week of unprotected sex. Is this HIV infection?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At February 16, 2020
Reviewed AtJuly 31, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have unprotected vaginal and oral sex with a sex worker three weeks ago. I do not know her status of HIV(Human Immunodeficiency Virus) although she said she is clean. Exactly after seven days of my exposure, I feel something wrong with my body as it is feeling uncomfortable. I had oral thrush, loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes in neck, body aches, needles like pain all over my body, night sweat although no fever but I can feel the temperature is high, it is 98.5-99.3 degrees for the next couple of days. So I suspected that I got infected with HIV. Due to anxiety, I took the HIV antibody test on the 9th day of my exposure which I know is a bit early come out negative. But then on the 10th day (exactly after 9 days 10 hours), I took HIV 1 RNA(Ribonucleic acid) TMA(Thrombotic Microangiopathy) test on stdcheck.com which they said 95-99% accurate in 9-11 days after exposure. I got the result yesterday, as negative no HIV 1 RNA detected. Now, still I am in confusion because I am 100% sure I got infected with HIV. I do not know if these tests are conclusive or not. I do not have guts to do another test. Please help. And also some of my symptoms are gone but I discovered some additional like pain in kidneys, lower abdomen, chest pain, joint pain, and extreme fatigue for two to three days.

Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through the details and reports. (attachment removed to protect patient identity). All the tests are negative is a good sign. The chances of transmission of HIV by unprotected intercourse with an HIV positive person is too low. If negative it is nil. You can allay fears. HIV RNA PCR is negative and is a good sign. It is almost conclusive. The chances of tests coming positive later are nil. But it is better to get tested for HIV 1 and 2 antibodies after three months to have conclusive results.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Is 9 days 10 hours enough time for the virus to come in my blood? I took the test because I had symptoms two days prior to the test. So I believe the HIV virus can only cause these symptoms. Is it right?

Hi, Welcome back to icliniq.com.

RNA PCR is a very sensitive test. It can detect as early as four days itself but is considered sensitive after 10 days. The symptoms are nonspecific and can be due to any simple respiratory infection. It does not suggest HIV. HIV is diagnosed by tests. The chances of tests coming positive later is nil. But better go for a conclusive test after three months to relieve your anxiety.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra
Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra

Dermatology

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