HIV DNA (Proviral DNA)
Sample: Whole blood
Schedule: Weekly
Units:
Range: Negative
Remarks: HIV DNA detects proviral DNA (HIV RNA genome that incorporates to host DNA) in infected lymphocytes. It is stated that this test is accurate within few days after contact with the virus. The test is specially useful in cases of undeterminate antibody test result or in the window phase of blood seroconversion. In the way the test is performed (proviral HIV DNA), it is almost impossible to quantify the viral load (viral HIV RNA).
