Does this HIV RNA test use blood or urine? The HIV RNA Early Detection Test is a blood test. A small blood sample will be drawn by our lab technicians to complete the test.
What do I need to do to prepare for the test?
No fasting or preparation is necessary.
When is the right time to take the HIV RNA Early Detection Test?
The HIV RNA Test for Early Detection is conclusive as early as 9-11 days post-exposure. We are the only online STD testing service that provides this FDA-approved HIV RNA Early Detection test. This test looks for the presence of HIV RNA in the plasma of patients. It can detect acute (new) HIV infection without the presence of antibodies (proteins produced by the body to fight against the HIV virus) in the blood, making the HIV RNA test the most sensitive and accurate HIV RNA Early Detection test available on the market today.
What will the test results say?
If your results are negative, HIV was not found. If your results are positive, HIV was found in your bloodstream. If the initial blood test result is positive, a confirmation test will be completed on the same blood sample to confirm the result at no additional cost. A positive result for the HIV virus does not mean that you have AIDS.
HIV RNA PCR Test
PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction. These types of tests can be used to determine if HIV genetic material (RNA) is in the sample. The sample blood will be tested for early infections before any antibodies have been produced.
HIV RNA Test Window Period
These tests determine if the HIV virus is present in the sample collected. There is an extremely short window to detect the virus – roughly 9 days after infection. This test is seldomly used for screening because it is one of the most costly tests out there. It is only slightly better than an antigen/antibody test, which is more affordable. Still, this test can be done as a follow-up for a positive HIV test. It can even be used for screening for certain cases, like if someone was recently exposed to HIV and is having symptoms of an early HIV infection.
HIV RNA Test Window Period CDC
An early HIV infection can be detected with an RNA test if administered within 9 to 11 days after exposure. This is the window period to use an RNA test because antibody tests won’t detect HIV yet, as confirmed by the CDC.