HIV -1 RNA PCR, Qualitative
HIV -1 RNA PCR, Qualitative
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-1 causes HIV infection. Left untreated, it leads to a chronic, life-threatening illness called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. The virus spreads primarily by exchanging infected blood and other body fluids. It can also be transmitted from the mother to a baby during pregnancy and delivery.
Testing is the only way to know if someone has HIV.
HIV-1 RNA Qualitative Assay is a real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR procedure that amplifies a portion of the HIV-1 genome to detect the virus in the bloodstream as early as 10 -33 days after infection. Also, the test can detect different HIV-1 subtypes, such as group M, group N, and group O
What is HIV-1 RNA Qualitative PCR Used For?
The HIV-1 RNA qualitative PCR is used
For diagnosing indviduals who have viral exposure and have early symptoms of HIV-1 infection
For confirming the diagnosis of HIV in individuals who are positive for HIV-1 antibody
For detecting HIV-1 in people who have tested negative with an antibody or antigen
Symptoms of Acute Stage HIV-1 Infection
Symptoms of acute HIV-1 infection( when a person contracts the virus for the first time) are similar to influenza or flu. They start a few weeks to three months after the virus exposure and last about 14 days. They commonly include
Rising temperature
Muscle and joint pain
Sore throat
Feeling of tiredness
Skin rash
Swollen lymph nodes
Night Sweats
Frequent bowel movements for more than four weeks
Unexpected weight loss
Preparation for Test
You don't need to fast or do anything specific before taking this test.
Interpretation of Test Results
The information obtained from HIV-1 RNA Qualitative PCR is interpreted as follows:
Detected
It means HIV-1 RNA is present in the provided sample.
If an individual is positive for HIV -1 antibody and HIV-1 RNA, too, it indicates confirmed infection with HIV-1.
Non-detected
It indicates that HIV-1 RNA is absent in the sample but does not preclude the possibility of exposure to or infection with HIV-1. Additional testing may be required for confirmation.
Invalid results
Results are uncertain for the presence or absence of HIV-1 RNA in the sample
FAQs
Who should consider getting tested with HIV-1 RNA Qualitative PCR?
The CDC recommends all sexually active individuals in the following risk categories to get tested for HIV-1 RNA at least once a year:
· People who have many sex partners, including men
· People who had anal or vaginal sex with someone having HIV
· People who share used needles, syringes, or drug-injecting equipment
· People who are diagnosed or treated for another sexually transmitted disease, hepatitis, or tuberculosis (TB)
· People who don't know the sexual history of their partners
· Babies born to HIV-positive mothers
Do I have to repeat the HIV-1 RNA Qualitative PCR test often?
It depends on your doctor. This test is usually done at the start of HIV diagnosis. But, if you are positive for HIV-1 RNA PCR, you may need more testing
What factors can affect the accuracy of the results of the HIV-1 RNA Qualitative PCR test?
Factors like the timing of the test( since the virus levels are low in the blood during an early or late stage of infection), certain medications, and even the lab testing methods can affect the accuracy of the PCR results
How reliable is the HIV-1 RNA Qualitative PCR test?
This test is highly sensitive and specific. It detects HIV-1 RNA in the blood, even before antibodies develop. But, a positive result must be confirmed with extra testing
Can an HIV-1 RNA PCR test detect the virus immediately after exposure?
No, this test can't detect HIV immediately after infection. That's because the time between HIV exposure and when this test can detect the virus in your body is about 10 to 33 days
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