Looks like alot of folks will have to get retested with other types  of HIV tests.

-- Modified on 5/14/2004 9:07:03 PM

Really? Then why does the FDA site list 5 Licensed / Approved PCR based HIV tests?

The PCR HIV test is not yet approved because it has primarily been used as a research tool. That doesn't mean it isn't any good. Only one manufacturer kit is available and it can rarely give false positive results.  However, it is extremely sensitive esepecially at about 1 month after exposure because it detects viral DNA.  All the other tests look for antibodies which depend on your body's immune response and may not turn positive for many months.

Nearly all labs that use the PCR also provide the Elisa antibody test as part of a combination package.  Using both of these should result in accuracy of about 99% which is as good or better than any other type of testing.

I suspect most people who get the PCR have also received the Elisa.

DocInTheBox

There are two different PCR based HIV tests.  PCR-DNA and
PCR-RNA.  Of the tests you reference, if you click
on their links to get a description, you will see four of the
five are of the PCR-RNA variety.  One of the four does not
have a description link.

I'm not sure what the original poster's purpose was.  It's kind
of yelling that the sky is going to fall and not providing
anything else.  What's more, he references an article of someone
who had a conversation with someone at the CDC - 'nuff said.

fr

Reude, you are to be commended for providing the link...

The National Institute of Health lists PCR-DNA tests as a method to identify HIV infection.

I posted the article to generate discussion and I am glad that people responded with good information. This topic needs to be discussed in detail so people know all the facts.