I had sexual intercourse with a sex worker 25 days ago. Can I take an HIV 1 RNA PCR test now to get an accurate assessment of my HIV status?

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Rohinipriyanka Pondugula

General Practitioner

MBBS
9+ Yrs

Consult Now

HIV RNA PCR test is highly accurate and can detect infection as early as 10 to 14 days after exposure. At 25 days, it is a reliable test to check for early HIV infection. You may also do a 4th generation, HIV test at 28 days for confirmation. If both are negative, the result is very reassuring. No need to panic, follow up as needed.

Dr. Rohinipriyanka Suggests...

Take a HIV PCR Test Test or Take a HIV DUO (ANTIGEN AND ANTIBODY) Test

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Answered 12/09/2025

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