Western Blot And ELISA Tests For HIV, What To Expect

Western blot and ELISA tests are two blood antibody tests that may detect HIV. These tests used to be the gold standard in HIV testing. HIV tests have since changed and evolved, making them a less preferred method of checking for HIV. Early and accurate diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is essential for timely identification of patients needing antiretroviral therapy and for instituting HIV prevention strategies.

Western blot and ELISA tests are the gold standards in HIV testing. Now, most laboratories use an immunoassay for the HIVp24 antigen and antibodies to HIV-1 and 2, followed by a confirmatory immunoassay to distinguish between HIV-1 and HIV-2 ELISA test The laboratory blood tests can diagnose HIV through detecting certain antibodies or proteins produced by the immune system in response to the virus. While the ELISA test is recommended in the course of…