Tests for HIV: ELISA, Western Blot, and Others
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system. If HIV infection isn’t treated, a person can develop AIDS, which is a prolonged and often fatal condition. HIV is spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sexual contact. It’s also spread through blood, blood factor products, injection drug use, and breast milk. To test for HIV, a series of blood screenings may be done, including one called the ELISA test. Read on to learn how these tests are done, what to expect during the tests, and what the results can mean. What are the ELISA test and the HIV differentiation assay? The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), also known as an enzyme immunoassay (EIA), detects HIV antibodies and antigens in the blood....