The HIV-1 RNA PCR test utilises automated advanced molecular diagnostic technology to detect the presence of the HIV-1 virus. This test specifically looks for the genetic material of the virus, including RNA and proviral DNA. As a result, it offers a shorter window period for testing, allowing us to offer this test to patients as soon as 10 days after potential exposure to the HIV virus.

To receive accurate results, you will need to wait at least 10 days after potential exposure.

There are multiple published studies confirming extremely high levels of accuracy for the HIV-1 RNA PCR test.

An examination is not routinely required for a HIV-1 RNA PCR test. However, if you are concerned about experiencing HIV symptoms, we can certainly offer you an examination.

The HIV-1 RNA PCR test we offer is a qualitative test, and will tell you whether you have HIV or not.

A quantitative HIV test measures the amount of HIV virus in your blood and is performed after a qualitative HIV test comes back positive.

Quantitative tests, such as the HIV Viral Load test, help your clinician decide which combination of HIV medications will work best for you and how effective they will be. It also helps your clinician to keep track of the level of HIV in your body over time.

The HIV-1 RNA PCR test specifically looks for the genetic material of the virus, including RNA and proviral DNA, instead of relying on the detection of antibodies like the 4th generation HIV test does. Therefore, the HIV-1 RNA PCR test can provide quicker, more accurate results than the 4th generation HIV test if you wish to test before 45 days.

Having a conversation with your clinician to determine the most suitable HIV test for you is essential. The choice of HIV test most suited to you should be made considering your overall clinical situation.

This test is designed to detect the HIV-1 virus which accounts for almost all cases of HIV in the UK (99.98%). HIV-2 is associated with lower disease progression due to the low levels of virus and is not transmitted as efficiently as HIV-1.

Although HIV-2 is less common in the UK, it is still present in 1 to 2 million people worldwide with certain countries where you tend to see this infection more commonly.

No, the only way to definitively diagnose HIV is through a blood test for HIV.

It is important to get tested for HIV if there is a potential risk of exposure, even if there are no noticeable symptoms. Testing is crucial for early diagnosis and timely treatment, as well as for preventing the transmission of the virus to others.

While there are no alternative methods or indicators to diagnose HIV without testing, it is important to be aware of the potential risk factors and to take proactive steps to protect oneself and others from HIV infection. This includes practising safe sex, using condoms, getting regularly tested for sexually transmitted infections, and avoiding sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia.

This test is not routinely offered in NHS clinics at the moment due to its high cost. However, many large laboratories, including those within the NHS, do have the capability to perform this test. HIV-1 RNA PCR tests are regularly conducted for screening newborns and ensuring the safety of blood transfusions.

Yes. Everything you share with us is confidential and will not be shared with the NHS, your GP or anyone else unless you wish for us to do so.

You will receive your HIV-1 RNA PCR results within 4 hours.

A reactive HIV result is always repeated, confirmed, and subjected to further testing before being shared with the patient.

You can receive your HIV-1 RNA PCR test results by either text or email.

Your results will either state ‘Detected’ or ‘Not detected’.

If your results state ‘Detected’, it means that the HIV-1 virus has been found in your blood sample and you are HIV-positive. A positive or detected HIV-1 RNA PCR result will only be released to you once it has undergone further testing.

If your results state ‘Not detected’, it means that the HIV-1 virus has not been found in your blood sample and you are HIV-negative at the time of testing.

BASHH guidelines recommend having a 4th generation HIV test 45 days after exposure, and to repeat at 3 months for those at high risk of having HIV.

We also recommend having a 4th generation HIV test to test for the presence of the HIV-2 virus which is not tested for by the HIV-1 RNA PCR test.

Your clinician will be able to advise you on this in more detail.

In the event that we receive a positive result from a HIV-1 RNA PCR test, we will subject your sample to further testing.

Our consultants are specialists in HIV Medicine and have decades of experience in treating patients with HIV in all its stages. Therefore, in the event your test result is positive, you are in the best hands to be looked after.

It is essential to inform all sexual partners that you have tested positive for HIV so that they can get tested and treated appropriately.

If you require advice or support on how to communicate your HIV status to your partner(s) please contact your clinician who will be more than willing to help you.

Yes.

Along with a text or email of your HIV-1 RNA PCR test results, we can email a certificate for official purposes.