Got two negative RNA TMA test for HIV. Are the results conclusive?

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You need to go for further testing as these tests are conclusive.

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You have undergone two RNA PCR testing. They are very accurate and pick up even a few copies of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) from the blood within 3 days to 4 weeks after exposure. This test is most useful in monitoring the viral load, once HIV is established. However, this test is not used as a screening test for HIV infection, as there can be false positive and false negative results sometimes. You have also taken a Duo Combo test on the 29th day. This test is the most useful test for screening after possible exposure. Modern day combo can pick up infection from 2 to 4 weeks after exposure and are extremely sensitive. A negative test means there are 99.7% chances that you are HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Nothing is absolute in medicine and so 100% absolute surety is not there. Still, if you want to be double sure, you may go for a repeat Duo Combo test after 12 weeks of possible exposure. If it again comes negative, then you can sit back and relax that you do not have HIV.

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In that case, you can expect a positive result for you.If the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test is negative, you may follow the above said instructions. If the test is positive, it must be followed up with a western blot test to confirm positivity as ELISA may be false positive in 5% of samples. RNA PCR is not used for acute exposure screening.A negative RNA (Ribonucleic acid) PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test may give us some assurance that chances of HIV are lesser, but it should always be followed by ELISA tests, because of the lower accuracy of PCR for screening purpose.

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I can understand your concern and apprehension. Aptima RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) TMA (Transcription Mediated Amplification) and nucleic acid amplification test - NAAT are an improved version of the the standard RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing.While the accuracy is higher than the conventional PCR, but the bottom line facts remain as such. That is why it is an aid in diagnosing along with HIV ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay) testing and cannot replace ELISA as a screening test. Though some studies report it as a good alternative for western blot test, but sensitivity is low, so ELISA is still needed. Moreover, it is not Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for screening. HIV testing is all about probabilities and hence a good time tested combination of the tests should be taken as confirmatory.

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Yes, you are right. They are highly encouraged and assuring that your ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay) combo test should also most probably will come out as negative.