Tag Archives: HIV DNA PCR

Is the HIV DNA PCR Panel Best for Early Detection?

Q: I recently found out that I might have been exposed to HIV. I had unprotected sex with someone that was diagnosed as HIV positive. I’m very worried and scared right now. Can you please advise me on which type of HIV testing I need? My exposure was only about 6 weeks ago, so I […]

Occupational Exposure to HIV

Q: I believe I had an occupational exposure to HIV recently, but I’m not sure if I’m ready to test yet. I’ve heard that you have to wait 3-6 months for a reliable HIV test, is this true? Are there any other options? A: If you believe that you may have been exposed to HIV, […]

Best Test for HIV?

Q: I recently had a test done, but I want to be a hundred percent sure that my results are accurate. What is the best blood test for the HIV virus? A: There are multiple tests that can be used to test for HIV, and depending on your situation one test may be better than […]

Who is at Risk for HIV?

Q: Can you tell me who is at risk for HIV? I’ve been associating with certain people that I’m concerned may be infected and I’m worried that I can contract it from them.  Can you tell me what/who I should be worried about? A: The truthful answer is that everyone is at risk for HIV, […]

When Is HIV Detectable in Blood?

Q: I had an HIV blood test done with my doctor a few weeks ago, and everything came back negative. I’ve been reading about window periods online and now I’m concerned that I tested too early. When is HIV detectable in the blood? A: Your doctor could have run a couple different types of tests, […]

Post Exposure Prophylaxis After Exposure

Q: I think that I had an exposure to HIV, where can I get Post Exposure Prophylaxis? A: Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) can usually be found through your local emergency room (ER). However, it is not something that doctors are willing to give to just anyone. Generally it is reserved for people that have had […]

When can HIV be Detected?

Q: How soon after contracting HIV can it be detected? A: HIV can be detected through blood with various tests. The traditional HIV antibody test will provide reliable results 6 weeks after a potential exposure, and is considered conclusive 12 weeks after the exposure. 6-12 weeks can be a long time to wait, especially if […]