PCR test is reliable? - HIV Prevention Message Board

07-20-2003, 12:28 PM

Hello Everybody,

Pls let me know abt PCR test...Wethere it is still in the research??? or it is full fledged one...How much percent shall I believe on this????

thanks to all.....

needy

Mr.Devine · 07-20-2003, 04:29 PM

HI! I JUST had a PCR test a few days ago! I had a big scare two weeks prior. I paid a lot of money for this test, BECAUSE of it's accuracy and fast results. It is one of the very few guaranteed tests. Doomsayers always want to question everything. This test is the best and wil give you the truth. It is relatively new (someone told me it was approved in 1999) so the internet is not a really good place to do any research on it. Mine was negative and now I can rest. HIV is not so easy to get anyway, contrary to popular belief.

Good luck to you!

07-21-2003, 08:30 AM

Thanks Davino,

But several persons telling that this is still in the research stage itself...When it would be advicable to undergo(Means after how many days to risk)...

thanks,
neddy

anyone · 07-21-2003, 10:01 AM

The PCR Assay is one of the most advanced assays (along with the viral culture one) in the medical world today. Its accuracy and sensitivity is unquestionable. It has been used for a while now, so I would disqualify the research stage part. But it is true that rather than being used as a diagnose tool is being used as a study tool, to identify, and analyze the virus' behavior.

Only recently it has started to take off commercially. Due to its cost and the skill that it takes to perform, this test is not recommended for average use (where the exposure involved partners not known or confirmed to have HIV). PCR is so sensitive that can even be reliably taken within the first 2 weeks following exposure.

However, due to protocol, health organizations still recommend conclusive testing by ELISA at 3 months.

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Best wishes.

[This message has been edited by anyone (edited 07-21-2003).]

[This message has been edited by anyone (edited 07-21-2003).]