What has been the routine test for HIV antibody testing?
The standard screening test for antibody to HIV is the enzyme immunoasssay (EIA), which is widely used in the United States and around the world. This test requires serum or plasma, so a blood specimen must be drawn from a vein. Because EIA requires specialized equipment, the specimen must be sent to a laboratory, and test results are usually available several days to several weeks later. A negative screening test means a person is not infected with HIV, and does not require further testing. However, a diagnosis of HIV infection cannot be based on a reactive screening test alone. Thus, a reactive EIA is repeated, and repeatedly reactive EIA results are confirmed by a supplemental HIV antibody test –Western blot or immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Until now, testing required two visits. During the first visit, a client receives pretest counseling, and blood is drawn for HIV testing. During the second visit, test results are communicated to the client, additional counseling is provided,
