Dr by S. M. Akerkar

Diagnosis of HIV DISEASE--

What is ELISA test for HIV ?--

Whenever any organism enters the body, the immune system produces antibodies to it. Hence presence of these antibodies is an indirect evidence of the infection.

ELISA test for HIV is a test that detects the antibodies to HIV. A positive ELISA test is therefore an indirect evidence of HIV infection.

However the body takes 6 weeks to 3 months to produce antibodies. Thus even after infection the test becomes positive only after 6 weeks to 3 months. This period is called as the window period. During this period the patient is infective but the test is negative.

Should a single ELISA test positive report be taken as an evidence of HIV infection ?--

In case of ELISA positive; either the test is repeated or a more specific test like Western Blot is done to confirm the diagnosis.

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BIO:

MBBS, MD

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