Question:

I have taken the following tests after a possible exposure (protected vaginal and unprotected oral with woman of unknown HIV status) to HIV:
Elisa at 15 days: Negative
DNA PCR at 15 days: Negative
Oraquick Elisa at 22 days: Negative

I plan on taking a follow-up DNA PCR and Elisa after 32 days. If these both come back negative, is this conclusive that I don't have HIV? Do I need to follow up with a 3 month test?

Is my negative DNA PCR at 15 days of any value?

I have been experiencing pain in my groin area since about 14 days after exposure and it has persisted for almost three weeks. Would this be consistent with early HIV infection? If it was related to HIV, would the DNA test have been positive?

Greatly appreciate your advice.

Answer provided by:

Marty Markowitz, M. D.
Clinical Director
Staff Investigator, Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center
Associate Professor, Rockefeller University

In general the DNA PCR should be + [positive] within 2 weeks from the time of exposure and infection. A negative ELISA after 5 weeks does not rule out infection, though the vast majority will have seroconverted by 5 weeks. It is advisable to have an antibody test at 3 months.

Question: Is my negative DNA PCR at 15 days of any value?

Answer: Yes it is, however not conclusive. Repeat testing is advised.

Question: I have been experiencing pain in my groin area since about 14 days after exposure and it has persisted for almost three weeks. Would this be consistent with early HIV infection? If it was related to HIV, would the DNA test have been positive?

Answer: Groin pain is not a sign or symptom of acute HIV infection.

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