RNA PCR for HIV 2 can be done 7 days after the suspected exposure. This is one of the tests that detects presence of HIV 2 virus very early. Since the test looks for virus RNA, it is not dependent on production of antibodies by the body. The technique used in PCR test or Polymerase Chain Reaction is to extract and amplify the genetic material of the virus.HIV-2 RNA PCR is a highly sensitive and specific method to detect the presence of HIV-2 proviral RNA in clinical specimens.

The diagnosis of infection should not rely solely upon the result of a PCR assay. A positive result should be considered in conjunction with clinical presentation and additional clinical tests. A negative PCR result indicates the absence of HIV-2 proviral RNA at detectable levels in the sample tests and does not exclude diagnosis of disease.

-:Note:-
* The PCR RNA test is done only if there is a high risk exposure or there are symptoms of being sero-positive. The advisable test for detection of HIV is antigen/ antibody screening test, done after 28 days of suspected exposure. For some people, PCR RNA test may be done to reduce anxiety, till 28 days are over and they are ready to take the antigen/antibody test.