How they fool us with PCR diagnostics for HIV. PCR research - modern diagnosis of HIV, AIDS PCR diagnosis of HIV infection

That we have been fooled by HIV/AIDS for 30 years is medical fact, which no longer needs any proof for a long time. I don’t want to offend anyone, but the truth is that at the moment, having in front of me all the available information about the alternative point of view, that is, presented by HIV dissidents, it is simply impossible to continue and naively believe in an artificially created and imposed with the help of cynical and deceitful propaganda of HIV/AIDS theory.

If you expressed your bewilderment about the fact that diagnostic tests for HIV do not detect the virus itself, but only antibodies to it, and this applies not only to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, but also to immunoblotting, which is considered more accurate, then you probably heard the assurances of doctors or some knowledgeable people that there is a polymerase chain reaction method that has nothing to do with antibodies, but directly detects the virus itself.
Have you heard about the PCR diagnostic method, and in particular HIV infection? For sure. Have you tried to delve into it a little and figure it out? No? So it's clear that we're being fooled? Fine. But now I will show it clearly, on my fingers...

Yes, we are really blatantly and cynically fooled when they assure us that the PCR test for HIV determines the presence of the virus itself or its concentration in the blood, that is, the viral load. And I’ll say right away that in this respect the PCR method is not only no different from ELISA and IB, but one can say it is directly based on exactly the same principle.
What does it mean? Let me remind you that the diagnostic HIV tests ELISA and Immunoblot are based on the reaction of antibodies in the test sample with virus antigens placed in the test itself. What is in the test systems as these HIV proteins - only God knows, and probably not everything. Accordingly, it is completely unclear which antibodies react with these supposed HIV proteins, resulting in a 62-item list of diseases and conditions that cause a false-positive reaction.

What is the basis of the polymerase chain reaction method, and how is it diagnosed for infectious diseases? In the case of hepatitis and HIV, the patient's blood is examined. To establish the presence of a specific pathogen in the blood sample under study, a primer is used for PCR testing, that is, a DNA fragment of the pathogen itself, complementary to a specific section of its DNA, that is, in essence, the primer is attached to a section of DNA in the same way as sections are connected to each other DNA double helix.
Do you get it? Your blood is taken, then something is added to it that is supposedly undoubtedly a unique part of the HIV virus genome, other necessary ingredients are added, then the whole thing is heated and cooled thirty times, and the result is voila! you are HIV positive! your viral load is 3 million! start therapy immediately!

But wait. Can't you see how you've been fooled from the very beginning?
You were assured that the PCR method detects the virus itself. But this is an absolute lie! The PCR method in this regard is no different from ELISA and IB! Just as unknown things are used in test systems under the guise of HIV antigens, so in PCR tests, under the guise of primers passed off as part of the DNA of HIV itself, a completely unknown substance is used in the same way. You understand that if HIV does not exist, then there can be no talk of any HIV DNA, or HIV RNA, or antibodies to HIV, in particular maternal antibodies, which they fool us with by telling us that all children from HIV-positive mothers, and disappear by themselves in the second year of life...

Like this.
- The PCR method detects the HIV virus itself, there can be no mistakes or doubts here! And this most accurate method shows the viral load, which is very important for monitoring the dynamics of the disease and its treatment!
- Well, well... Are you talking about the virus itself? What is used as a primer? The same virus? The same one that Montagnier and Gallo discovered 30 years ago? Did they really find him? Really cleaned up? Did you really take a photo? Has it really been proven that it uses T-lymphocytes for replication/reproduction, as a result of which their total number is depleted and dangerous immunodeficiency occurs? This is all true?

And in essence, the PCR method in AIDS is used not so much thanks to its inventor Kary Mullis (rather, even contrary to his opinion!), but thanks to Montagna and Gallo, who pulled HIV out of thin air, and whose DNA primers are used in PCR diagnostics of HIV...

So here it is. If you have been told that, based on the results of PCR testing, you are HIV-positive and you have a high viral load, or we are talking about your child, don’t worry for a second! you are being blatantly deceived! The inventor of the polymerase chain reaction method, microbiologist Kary Mullis, is an HIV dissident, and he is categorically against the use of PCR in HIV diagnosis, because he understands well that in the case of a non-existent HIV virus, this is simply a blatant cynical deception...

One more moment. Have you heard about undetectable viral load? The fact is that not all HIV-positive people, when tested for the amount of virus in their blood, get a certain result, which, depending on the value, is considered a low or high viral load. If there were very few such people, they would not be talked about at all. But the fact is that there are apparently a lot of them, and that is why they talk about an undetectable viral load in HIV infection. I will not mention the PR therapy that supposedly reduces VL to undetectable. No, the fact of the matter is that without any therapy, in many people it is not detected. Never.
That is, the patient is diagnosed with HIV infection, but with the help of the famous supersensitive cosmic exact method PCR diagnostics cannot detect the HIV virus in his body. How so?

And then we are told that the method is, of course, unique, but modern technical means still impose limitations, and the mostaaaaaaaaaaaatime cannot be detected with PCR diagnostics.

That is, the patient undoubtedly has HIV. The virus is incurable, indestructible, cunning, insidious, malicious, extremely smart and inventive. And even the super-magic PCR method is not able to detect where the cunning virus is hiding from scientists and doctors.
It turns out that, on the one hand, they tell us what a wonderful and highly accurate PCR method is, it can guess an entire elephant and even a whale from one molecule - and on the other hand, with their eyes drooping, they mumble indistinctly about the undetectable viral load in thousands of patients who have been living for decades living with a diagnosis of HIV infection and not taking antiretroviral treatment.

So it goes. They fool us as they please. Don't be unafraid idiots. Don't take the word of any doctor or scientist. They will tell you three times seven times about the cosmic accuracy of PCR tests, but just one remark about the HIV primers used in this case instantly smashes the whole magnificent picture to smithereens. Because for fun we can say that just as Gallo patented the first HIV tests when he discovered a fake HIV virus, in the same way he could have patented HIV primers for PCR diagnostics of HIV infection, because primers are essentially the same thing , that HIV antigens are some specific biological substances inherent only to this virus (genome fragments or specific proteins)...

HIV PCR is one of the most informative methods of molecular genetic diagnosis. This method helps to identify various kinds of infectious ailments and diseases in the patient that are inherited. The same diagnostic method is applicable in the case of testing biomaterial for the presence of HIV, a serious disease that develops throughout the patient’s life. WITH medical care PCR was among the recommended tests performed on a paid basis in cases of suspected human immunodeficiency virus. However, the reliability of the study is justified only in 80 out of 100 cases.

PCR diagnostics for HIV stands for polymerase chain reaction. For this type of research they use Various types biological materials. Among them is blood, in addition, secretion from the patient’s vagina or seminal fluid in men can be used.

Attention! Saliva is not used for PCR in diagnosing HIV. This approach is considered ineffective, since antibodies to HIV are in minimal concentration in this material. The same goes for urine, sweat and tears.

The indication for the described study is a double positive ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Alternative assignments will be discussed later.

Details about the essence of the analysis


The PCR test for HIV is based on the ability of nucleic acid to reproduce independently. Living cells consist of protein and these same acids, in other words, RNA and DNA. Molecules act as guardians of the genetic code.
At a low concentration of viral particles (HIV) in the biomaterial, the sample does not include entire DNA chains (deoxyribonucleic acid), but only their components, called nucleotides. The analysis allows you to detect even minor remains of virus cells. It is this fact that explains the ability of PCR to demonstrate results on early stages– a few weeks after HIV infection.

The best results from polymerase chain reaction can be expected when examining venous blood. The sample is digested using equipment. The fractions are then subjected to enzymatic treatment. Reactive substances combine with viral DNA particles to duplicate it. The number of such elements increases according to the chain principle until their presence (not antibodies) in the patient’s blood becomes noticeable to laboratory technicians. None of them work on exactly the same principle. existing methods diagnostics


Reaction components

Using the PCR method, you can find out in advance about the development of the virus in the body. Why can’t it be called popular in the field of free medicine and done everywhere? The fact is that such an HIV test is very expensive and requires the following components:

  • a deoxyribonucleic acid matrix including a DNA segment intended for amplification;
  • two primers (for each chain segment);
  • a chemically active polymerase component to accelerate the polymerization of viral particles;
  • deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates;
  • divalent magnesium particles (charged);
  • special solution for creating favorable conditions, providing the proper level of acidity, salt concentration, and the number of magnesium particles in the liquid.

Attention! To protect the sample from overheating, a small amount of Vaseline is added to the material, which contains fats and, accordingly, high temperature boiling.

The relatively high accuracy rate of the analysis is explained by its increased sensitivity, which stimulates a reaction to antibodies to other viruses.

Advantages and disadvantages of the PCR technique for HIV

To objectively evaluate the method, we present in the table below a number of advantages and disadvantages of the study:

pros Minuses
– a fairly high accuracy rate (detects the virus in 80% of cases)

– versatility (for research they use not only blood, but also vaginal secretions and sperm)

– a wide range of methods (one sample of biological material can be tested for several diseases)

– speed of obtaining results (the patient receives an answer the next day – express methods are more efficient in this regard)

– high sensitivity (diagnosis is possible in the early stages of HIV development, which cannot be said about ELISA or general analysis blood for infection)

- absence age restrictions(this blood test for HIV can be taken from a child from the moment of his birth)

- high price

– the need to use high-tech equipment

– 20% of false positive results (due to the high sensitivity of the method)

Obviously, there are more advantages of the technique. If we evaluate the type of diagnosis from the point of view of the productivity of further treatment and the possibility of prolonging the patient’s life, PCR is the surest path to success.

Features of the analysis


The main feature of the described analysis is its ability to diagnose HIV early, which other research methods are not capable of. How many days after the suspected infection can I donate blood for PCR? Typically this time period is 10-14 days. Over the next 24 hours, the patient receives the result. Possible deviations in deadlines are explained by the individual operating conditions of diagnostic centers and clinics.

Purpose of the study

PCR is mostly carried out to detect HIV (human immunodeficiency syndrome). However, the test can also be taken if you suspect the development of sexually transmitted diseases. The same method is applicable in the case of diagnosing hereditary diseases.

PDR diagnostics: reasons for carrying out

When should you donate blood for PCR? In most cases, biological material is donated when the human immunodeficiency virus has adapted to the body’s conditions, stimulated the production of antibodies and caused the first symptoms of HIV. However, this is justified only if a sufficient amount of time has passed after infection and requires ELISA.

The need for PCR arises on the initiative of the patient who wants to promptly diagnose the disease (if there is one). The reason for this may be: unprotected sexual intercourse, contact with biological material of an infected person, recent blood transfusion, etc.

Who is prescribed PCR?

Determination of HIV infection using PCR, on the recommendation of a specialist, is carried out in the following cases:

  • preliminary diagnosis. PCR accurately confirms or refutes the ELISA result;
  • immunoblotting confirmed the diagnosis. Immune blotting is an additional way to study AIDS . Both methods are used together, which eliminates the possibility of misdiagnosis;
  • with confirmed HIV status using PCR, the effect of the chosen treatment is monitored;
  • for blood analysis of donors for the presence of HIV antibodies;
  • to determine the HIV status of a newborn when the mother tests positive. PCR in the first days of life makes it possible to determine intrauterine infection or infection of the baby while passing through the birth canal. The test is performed 2–3 weeks after birth.

How long does it take to take a PCR test, and where can it be taken?

HIV PCR analysis is carried out in a special laboratory. The test itself and interpretation of the result do not require much time: a month or even a week. It takes up to 6 minutes to draw blood. In a normal case, a specialist will need no more than a day to make a diagnosis and issue a conclusion. The first 8 hours are spent studying the blood, the remaining time is spent on registration. The result can be collected the very next day after the sample is taken. The duration of express testing is 2 hours.

Attention! The compulsory medical insurance policy makes it possible to take the test for free in government agency healthcare.

Almost any commercial laboratory is capable of conducting research, and on an anonymous basis. The person is assigned a special number, to which the results are then linked. This information is uploaded to the institution’s website at Personal Area user.

How much does it cost to take a PCR test?

This method of conducting research is quite expensive. This is due to the fact that PCR must be carried out on the latest medical equipment; manipulation requires specialists to have a sufficient amount of knowledge.

The pressing question is: how much does it cost for a person to take a PCR test for HIV? This will require around $56-60.

Carrying out analysis

PCR testing for HIV involves:

  • blood sampling for research;
  • additional collection of sperm from a man and genital secretions from a woman.

Attention! As a result, the test allows doctors to determine a high viral load in order to monitor the patient’s condition.

Other features of this HIV test that should be taken into account:

  • a couple of days before the test, the patient should reduce the amount of fatty foods in the diet;
  • Blood is drawn on an empty stomach;
  • Enzymes that synthesize various infections are added to the split biological materials in a special reactor;
  • the analysis is carried out in several stages, since the division of molecules occurs in an arithmetic progression. Special program compares a large number of cellular structures to detect HIV.

Accurate diagnostic methods, which include PCR, are expensive, but are capable of detecting HIV in the early stages. In the treatment of such pathologies, the most important thing is a correct and timely diagnosis, which can improve a person’s quality of life and its duration.

Description

The Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was invented in 1983 by American biochemist Carey B. Mullis. In 1993, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for this discovery.

Today the areas of application of PCR are: modern method molecular biology are extremely broad. PCR diagnostics occupies a special place in medical practice. And the reason for this is quite simple: polymerase chain reaction makes the impossible possible.

PCR diagnostics are often figuratively described as a method by which you can find a needle in a haystack and then build a haystack from these needles. The "needle" is a tiny piece of a cell's genetic material (DNA or RNA).

Thus, the discovery of this method is one of the most remarkable events in the field of molecular biology in recent decades. The development of the PCR method has allowed medical diagnostics in general to rise to a qualitatively new level.

PCR Basics

The basis of the method is repeated selective copying (amplification) of a certain section of DNA in order to obtain such an amount of genetic material that will be sufficient for visual detection. In this case, only a given section of DNA is copied (amplified) many times, provided that it is present in the biomaterial under study.

In addition, the research, in addition to simply increasing the number of copies of DNA sections, allows for other manipulations with genetic material. Therefore, the method is widely used in scientific research, biological and medical practice: in the diagnosis of infectious and hereditary diseases, in identifying mutations, genotyping, establishing paternity, personal identification, etc.

PCR in the diagnosis of infectious diseases

Today, PCR diagnostics of infections is one of the most accurate, sensitive and effective clinical laboratory methods. Moreover, the range of detected pathogens is practically unlimited - a test system for PCR analysis of the desired pathogen would be developed.

Due to its high sensitivity, PCR allows you to identify the pathogen even with its minimal content (that is, only a few molecules of its DNA are present in the biomaterial being studied).

PCR detects pathogens of infectious diseases when this cannot be done by other methods (immunological, cultural, microscopic). Therefore, for a number of infectious agents, the polymerase chain reaction method has become the “gold standard”; it is time-tested and clinically tested. In modern laboratory diagnostics of infectious diseases, PCR is the most sensitive and specific method for direct detection of pathogens. This allows not only to establish the etiology of the disease, but also to monitor the course of the infectious process and evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.

Testing for STIs using the PCR method is especially relevant in the asymptomatic course of the infectious process caused by unconditionally pathogenic microorganisms (Chlamydia, qualitative DNA determination; Mycoplasma, qualitative DNA determination; Gonorrhea agent, qualitative DNA determination; Trichomonosis agent, qualitative DNA determination). For example, with chronic gonorrhea in women, even using the bacteriological method, it is often not possible to identify gonococcus, despite the existing symptoms of a chronic inflammatory process in the cervix or urethra.

Modern PCR diagnostics allows not only to identify the genetic material of infectious agents, but also to determine their DNA/RNA concentrations (quantitative research format). Determining the number of pathogens is important in deciding on treatment, especially if opportunistic microorganisms are identified (Mycoplasma, quantitative determination of DNA; Ureaplasma typing, quantitative determination of DNA).

One of the main directions in the development of the PCR method is the “Multiprime” format developed at CMD, which makes it possible to detect several pathogens in one test tube (and one reaction).

  • Pathogens of infections transmitted by ixodid ticks

PCR diagnostics of hepatitis

Currently, at least 5 viruses are known whose ability to cause liver damage has been proven. These are the causative agents of hepatitis A, B, C, D, E. In rare cases, hepatitis can be caused by Epstein-Barr and herpes simplex viruses. The ability of agents such as TT and hepatitis G viruses to infect the liver is not recognized by everyone today. All these viruses belong to different families, have different biological properties and, accordingly, treatment tactics will also differ significantly depending on the etiology of hepatitis.

Taking into account the above, a very pressing problem is the adequate etiological diagnosis of viral hepatitis with the identification of a specific pathogen. This is impossible without the use of modern molecular biological methods. Therefore, diagnosing hepatitis using the polymerase chain reaction method is one of the most important steps in establishing the cause of the disease and determining further treatment tactics.

PCR in the diagnosis of HIV infection

Currently, for the laboratory diagnosis of HIV infection, the most accessible and at the same time sensitive approach is used - detection of antibodies to HIV in the blood using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) - followed by confirmation of positive results of the analysis using immunoblotting (IB). The efficiency of identifying people infected with HIV using this approach can reach 99% or more.

But serological diagnosis of HIV infection has a number of limitations:

  1. Inefficiency during the so-called period “serological window” (in the first weeks after infection, antibodies are not detected due to their absence or low concentration).
  2. Antibodies to HIV have been detected for a long time in all children born to HIV-infected mothers.
  3. False-positive ELISA results due to the presence in the blood of antibodies to antigens similar to HIV antigens.
  4. False-negative and questionable results of ELISA and immunoblotting (especially in patients in the terminal stage of the disease).

Therefore, PCR tests for screening for HIV infection are now increasingly used. According to the “Methodological recommendations for testing for HIV infection” (approved by the Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation on 08/06/2007) “if there are epidemiological criteria indicating a recent risk of HIV infection for patients and at the same time presumably false-positive or false-negative results in ELISA and IB, for example, When examining children born from HIV-infected mothers, or patients during the “seronegative window” period, the PCR method is used, which detects the HIV gene material...” And in the case of an already established diagnosis of HIV infection, PCR analysis is used for prognosis, dynamic observation and monitoring of therapy.

  • Human immunodeficiency virus, qualitative determination of provirus DNA, PCR
  • Human immunodeficiency virus quantitative determination of RNA, PCR
  • Comprehensive diagnostics: qualitative determination of hepatitis C virus RNA/hepatitis B virus DNA/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) RNA types 1 and 2

At the Center for Molecular Diagnostics (CMD), you can take a PCR test for HIV anonymously.

Why is HIV and AIDS so scary, what diagnostic methods exist. In-depth information about PCR studies.

According to statistics provided by the World Health Organization jointly with the UN organization UNAIDS, over the past forty years, more than 25 million patients have died from HIV and AIDS. It is not for nothing that epidemiologists have dubbed HIV the plague of the 20th century, since the damage caused by this infection to humanity is colossal. The countries of the African continent were most heavily infected. The infection is hitting the economies of already unstable states hard, and the people are destitute.

When symptoms appear, prompt diagnosis is extremely important. infection of the body with HIV infection, because a timely course of therapy can save or at least increase the patient’s life. Nowadays, technological progress has come a long way: the newest methods for diagnosing the HIV and AIDS virus have been invented, treatment is available to any person on the planet, the reliability of tests is characterized by a small degree of error, and therapy is highly effective.

Diagnosis of HIV infection

In our country, identifying the presence of HIV infection in a patient’s body is complex of analyzes:

  • Linked immunosorbent assay
  • Immune blotting
  • Polymerase chain reaction
  • Express tests

Enzyme immunoassay.

Screening (ELISA test) is the initial stage of determining infection in the body. It is based on protein compounds of the virus formed under artificial conditions, which identify the antibodies produced by immune cells as a reaction to infection. Happening chemical reaction between reagents, as a result of which the indicator element changes color. This means the test result is positive. Information using this method can be obtained within a couple of weeks from the moment of infection. This method does not detect the presence of infection in the patient, but determines the antibodies produced to this infection. It happens that the production of antibodies starts 10-15 days after infection, but in the vast majority of cases later - after 1-1.5 months.

Information on such analysis is processed from two to ten days.

The reliability of diangosis for HIV is supported by IB analysis. Exclusively positive test IB for the virus can serve as a valid reason for asserting infection.

The essence of the analysis:

A venous blood sample is taken for analysis in the laboratory. The sample is additionally prepared, the protein compounds that are present in it are electrified in the testing chamber, then they are distributed in the gel substance accordingly molecular weight. A paper strip coated with the reagent is placed several times into the prepared sample. If there are antibodies to the virus in the sample, a chemical reaction occurs and lines become visible on the test strip. When 2 or 3 dashes of p24, gp41, and gp120 or gp160 appear, the test result is positive.

If a positive result is obtained from the IB analysis, with an error of one percent, a conclusion can be made about the presence of HIV infection in the body.

Rapid tests for HIV and AIDS

The latest technologies for determining the immunodeficiency virus in the body are express methods. Information on such an analysis can be obtained within a few minutes after completion. The highest reliability is found in immunochromagraphic tests - special test strips on the surface of which a layer of reagent is sprayed. Antibodies contained in the test material come into contact with the reagent, changing the color of the indicator. After a few minutes, two stripes appear, indicating the presence of infection. The presence of a single line means there is no infection.

Such a test can be used as an additional one; information on such a test is necessarily confirmed by other studies.

How much does a rapid HIV test cost?

A rapid test for HIV will cost on average 200-1000 rubles.

HIV PCR is one of the most reliable methods for making this diagnosis, which is dangerous to human health and life. A doctor may recommend testing to any person who has reason to suspect infection with the human immunodeficiency virus. Patients often wonder what the essence of the technique is and what its advantages and disadvantages are.

When and in what time frame should you visit the hospital to submit biomaterial for research?

PCR is a diagnostic approach that appeared in clinical medicine thanks to molecular biology. It was from this branch of science that research came to medicine. And it began to be actively used to make various diagnoses, including HIV infection.

Everyone knows that any living organism consists of DNA and RNA. The polymerase chain reaction is based on the ability of these nucleic acids to self-replicate.

It is important to remember that PCR is capable of detecting even small concentrations of viral particles in the blood. This happens due to the fact that “fragments” of nucleic acids circulate in the biological fluid, which are captured and recognized by special equipment. This allows you to make a correct diagnosis even if the infection occurred very recently.

And the viral particles have not yet had time to multiply in the patient’s body. The biological material obtained from the patient is placed in a special reactor. Venous blood is most often used.

Special components, interacting with virus particles, greatly increase the number of detected fragments. As a result, the fragments become identifiable, they can be assessed and conclusions can be drawn about the infection.

Donate blood from a vein according to the standard method.

Do not eat before visiting the doctor; it is better to come in the morning. If the patient is undergoing a course of immunostimulation, it must be interrupted two weeks before the test.

Pros and cons of the technique

Like any other method for diagnosing a particular disease, PCR testing has a number of advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of the method include:

  • low probability of encountering a false negative or false positive result;
  • the ability to use not only blood for research, but also other biological fluids, such as vaginal discharge, semen, etc. (however, as doctors note, the accuracy may decrease);
  • the ability to use once taken material to diagnose several diseases at once;
  • speed of obtaining results (if the analysis is urgent, the results are received the very next day);
  • the ability to quickly diagnose an infection and, accordingly, begin treatment for the disease, thus improving the prognosis;
  • no age restrictions (blood sampling from a vein can be performed even on a newborn baby).

Naturally, PCR also has disadvantages. These include:

  • the rather high price of the study, especially in comparison with the basic screening methods used in most hospitals;
  • the need for sophisticated equipment, which is also expensive;
  • there is still a chance of encountering false results if the analysis technology, the blood sampling process is broken, or the person suffers from an autoimmune, tumor or chronic infectious disease.

Naturally, PCR testing should be performed on the recommendation of a doctor.

The doctor will be able to assess in each specific case how reliable the results will be. If the doctor considers this necessary, he will advise his patient another diagnostic method instead of PCR. Or, after receiving the results, he will supplement the diagnostic action plan with an additional item.

Many patients are concerned about the question of whether all people undergo PCR testing for HIV. In fact, diagnosis is not necessary for everyone. However, there are groups of patients who occasionally have to donate blood for analysis.

  • Preliminary diagnosis
  • Positive immunoglobulin test

Immunoblotting that yields a positive result for human immunodeficiency virus is necessarily confirmed using polymerase chain reaction. Do the same if PCR was performed first. Complementing each other's studies almost completely eliminates the possibility of errors.

  • Therapy control

Patients with confirmed HIV status quite regularly donate blood for PCR testing. This is necessary to monitor the progress of treatment and, if necessary, adjust therapy.

  • Blood safety assessment

Any donated blood must be tested using polymerase chain reaction.

This eliminates the transmission of HIV infection through blood transfusion.

  • Assessment of newborn status

If a child is born from an HIV-positive woman, he must also undergo PCR. This is necessary to determine the child’s status and develop tactics for its further management.

Reliability of the study

Many patients are concerned about the question of how reliable the polymerase chain reaction is if they plan to diagnose the human immunodeficiency virus. Despite the fact that PCR is one of the most modern methods, you still cannot trust it 100%.

Today, PCR is still not used as a screening method precisely because it can give false positive results.

To avoid this, doctors recommend properly preparing for the collection of biomaterial, but even preparation does not always help. For example, the test may give a positive result if a person has a malignant tumor in the body. If he suffers from any chronic infection or, for example, an autoimmune process. Even despite the possibility of getting a false positive result, PCR is used in practice as one of the most reliable methods.

To eliminate errors, doctors often recommend that their patients take the test again if the result is positive. Also, in some cases, it is recommended to additionally carry out an ELISA reaction and other studies. Performing a set of tests always gives a more reliable result than performing only one study.

What can the test be used for?

Not all patients know what exactly the polymerase chain reaction is used for in a doctor’s clinical practice.

  • It is necessary to detect the disease in the latent period

The immunodeficiency virus can exist latently in the body for a long time.

PCR is the only test that can indicate the presence of a pathogen in the body. Even if there are still very few viral particles.

  • Establishment of genotype

Today, several genotypes of HIV infection have been identified. It is often important to determine which specific genotype infected a person, since the selection of antiviral drugs depends on this.

  • Determination of the virus, and not antibodies to it

One of the advantages of the analysis is that the technique can detect not antibodies to viral particles, but the virus itself.

Many patients are interested in why this is an advantage. The point is that if the emphasis is on detecting the pathogen itself, the likelihood of encountering false-positive reactions due to the similarity of different antibodies is reduced. As doctors note, in many ways it was the ability to detect the virus itself, and not antibodies, that made the technique so effective.

When is it due?

Patients are often interested in the question of how long it takes to visit a doctor to donate biological material.

It all depends on what exactly you plan to determine using the technique.

It is recommended to look for human immunodeficiency virus DNA if infection is suspected and early diagnosis is necessary. On average, DNA in the blood begins to be detected ten days after infection occurs. However, it is recommended to confirm the analysis using ELISA, first after 4 weeks from infection, and then after 12 weeks.

If ELISA confirms the diagnosis, the patient's status is regarded as positive.

Research to determine RNA is always quantitative. It is recommended if the patient’s positive status is confirmed and treatment with antiviral therapy is started. If there is a lot of RNA in the body, then the acute phase of the disease is diagnosed. If it is not enough, it is considered that the suppression of the pathogen was successful, and therapy can be changed to a more gentle one.

  • Resistance assessment

Some strains of HIV are resistant to the drugs used to treat them. A study is also recommended to assess the likelihood of non-response to treatment. It is performed if there is no improvement after prescribing therapy. It is also recommended during the acute period of the infectious process.

The human immunodeficiency virus is spreading more and more throughout the human population every year. Any person can encounter pathology, and therefore sometimes it is vital to know how to make a correct diagnosis.

PCR – good method diagnosis if used correctly by a physician. And the main thing for the patient is to follow the doctor’s recommendations for preparing for the study, which are not complicated.