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PCR testing for HIV is accurate but requires trained professionals to read results. Antibody tests are commonly used and reliable after three months. PCR tests are expensive and not routinely used except for infants born to HIV-positive mothers.
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test used to detect human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is generally considered to be very accurate, although there are several factors that come into play. The test is highly sophisticated and must be read by well-trained healthcare professionals to decipher the results. In most cases, PCR testing is not used for routine HIV testing, except in children born to an HIV-positive mother.
There are several types of HIV tests, and each has its own level of accuracy. Quick response tests are generally considered to be the least accurate, while antibody tests and PCR tests are the most accurate. Antibody tests are the most commonly used because they are extremely reliable when used at least three months after potential exposure. The accuracy of an HIV PCR test is not fully understood, but they are considered accurate enough for use in certain circumstances.
When considering how accurate an HIV PCR test might be, several factors play a role. The first concerns the ability of laboratory personnel to read the test. PCR tests use advanced screening methods to collect HIV genetic material rather than antibodies. It’s not an easy test to read and decipher, so many false results can be caused by human errors. Only those who are fully trained and experienced in reading and taking the test should do so when testing for HIV.
Another variable is the length of time between when a person is exposed to the virus and being tested. While both PCR and antibody testing can usually detect traceable levels of the virus within a few weeks of exposure, both tests are most accurate three months after exposure. Regardless of the type used, a follow-up test is always performed to ensure that the results are as accurate as possible.
The use of the HIV PCR test is not routinely done in most situations because it is difficult and expensive to administer. Many laboratories do not have the right equipment to perform these tests. The PCR test can be used in infants born to an HIV-positive mother because antibodies from the mother’s bloodstream can continue to show up in the infant’s blood tests for several months after birth even if it is HIV negative. This makes the test accuracy more reliable in these cases.
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