HIV RT-PCR

This is the most sensitive and specific HIV test that targets specifically the viral genes and closes the window period even further than the HIV Combo test. It is the test of choice if the HIV combo test is negative and there is still concern about the possibility of being infected. Another advantage of this test is that it is quantitative. This means that it will measure the amount of virus in a blood sample. This is useful to monitor the effectiveness of treatment. The goal of treatment is to reach a stage when you have no detectable virus in your blood.