HIV DNA PCR Testing

OHIV Testing What's right for you? How long after a possible exposure should I wait to get tested for HIV? Window Period In very rare cases, it can take up to 6 months to The window period is the time frame after potential infection before your body has produced enough antibodies to show positive on the HIV antibody test. During this time a person can be infected with HIV but show negative on the HIV antibody test. During this time many individuals chose early detection antigen testing which looks directly for the virus and therefore can be taken much earlier than traditional antibody methods. develop antibodies to HIV. First few days/weeks 2-8 Weeks 3 months Immune response Genetic proteins of HIV replicate exponentially; test reliable but PCR easily detected by PCR technology testing more reliable HIV antibody test conclusive for growing, antibody healthy individuals. for early detection. 97% will develop antibodies in the first 3 months following the time of their infection. DNA PCR The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has revolutionized molecular genetics by permitting rapid cloning and analysis of DNA 4 Because of its simplicity, PCR is a popular technique with a wide range of applications which depend on essentially three major advantages of the method. Is the HIV DNA PCR Test the Best Option? While the test is considered conclusive at 28 days after potential HIV exposure, it can be a reliable marker days or weeks after exposure. 28 DAYS Blood tests for other STDS, including herpes, hepatitis B, and syphilis, can be taken 6-12 weeks after exposure for reliable results. Sensitivity Robustness Speed and ease of use PCR can permit amplification of specific PCR is capable of DNA cloning by PCR can be performed in a few hours, using amplifying sequences from sequences from material in relatively unsophisticated equipment. minute amounts of target which the DNA is badly DNA, even the DNA from a degraded or embedded in single cell. a medium from which conventional DNA isolation is problematic. Is the HIV DNA PCR test reliable? The DNA PCR is the absolute most sensitive test for HIV. In terms of measurement capacity, it can detect as little as 10 copies of proviral DNA per milliliter of whole blood. ml 4. 2- XIDIDXIIDX Even the most sensitive HIV RNA PCR test can only detect 40-50 copies per ml. Sources: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK7571/ http://stdlabtest.com/2011/02/13/is-the-hiv-dna-pcr-test-reliable/ http://stdlabtest.com/2013/05/07/is-the-hiv-dna-pcr-test-the-best-option/ INFOGRAPHIC DESIGNED BY ENationalPositions | aboutmyhealth Lab Tests: Fast, Private, Local XIIIXIDIX