Can the fluid in an enlarged lymph node/or the node itself be tested for the HIV virus after a biopsy( via DNA pcr)?

Yes it can. During acute infection, there is massive virus replication, but the body is also massively trying to supress it. Lypmh nodes play a key part in this operation, hence the swollen lymphs. Some people say HIV hides in the lypmh nodes during the acute stage....I would not totally agree with this claim. However, HIV does present higher levels inside lymph nodes than in bloodstream during the acute phase.

Node biopsies as means of HIV diagnostics are not recommended for the average patient. Some studies have indeed shown that HIV can be detected sooner this way. However, with the advent of DNA PCR technology, tests are sensitive enough to detect HIV in blood itself.

It is still by all means recommended to take an ELISA at 3 months post possible exposure, since the presence of HIV antibodies is currently the surest way to determine infection.

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Best wishes.