Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. If during the window time [period] I had an RNA test for HIV come back negative, is it certain I do not have HIV?
Mark H. Katz, M.D.
Regional HIV/AIDS Physician Coordinator
Kaiser Permanente of Southern California
Unless you had the test done within hours to a couple of days of the possible exposure, a negative RNA test (viral load) is quite indicative that HIV infection has not occurred....
However, because of the greater sensitivity of the standard HIV antibody (ELISA) test, it is actually more reassuring to have a negative of this test at 3 months after a possible exposure to definitively affirm you do not have HIV.
070306
ASKD070305
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, John M. Lloyd Foundation, Roche and Trimeris, John M. Lloyd Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980,2007. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.