Question 7 - HIV Diagnostic Testing Question Bank

HIV Clinical Care Question Bank

HIV Diagnostic TestingQuestion 7/10

A 39-year-old man who has sex with men and who recently had multiple new, anonymous sex partners presents to clinic. He was last tested for HIV two years ago. He last had condomless rectal sex 14 days ago. He reports recent fevers, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and a faint rash. His clinician orders an HIV RNA test plus an HIV antigen-antibody immunoassay.

Which one of the following is TRUE regarding plasma HIV-1 RNA tests?

All quantitative HIV-1 RNA tests are FDA-approved for HIV diagnostic purposes

Following HIV infection, the HIV-1 RNA assays typically become detectable after approximately 7 to 10 days

All persons with chronic HIV will have a detectable quantitative HIV-1 RNA test unless they are taking antiretroviral therapy

The HIV-1 RNA test has become the preferred routine initial HIV screening test for all adults and adolescents

Figure 1. HIV Assay Test Reactivity after Initial Acquisition of HIV

This illustration represents timing of HIV testing becoming positive following HIV acquisition.

Source: modified from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Association of Public Health Laboratories. Laboratory Testing for the Diagnosis of HIV Infection: Updated Recommendations. Published June 27, 2014.
Abbreviation: POC = point of care

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Question Last Updated
February 1st, 2025

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