If an antibody test is positive a second test will check if the virus is still present. This is done using a PCR test (polymerase chain reaction). The PCR test determines whether you are currently infected by detecting the presence of the genetic material of the virus in the blood. This genetic material is called RNA and this test is sometimes referred to as an RNA test.
Test results are generally reported as either ‘undetectable’ or ‘detectable’. Positive results are often given in terms of the amount of virus found in a unit of blood. This is called the viral load.
You should be given the results of both your antibody test and your PCR test at the same time. That way you immediately know whether you are currently infected and need to be referred to a specialist.
