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Test for the AIDS Virus

The AIDS virus refers to a systemic infection in humans that suppresses the immune system. This virus is chronic and incurable. The virus seeks and destroys the T cells that helping the body fight infections. The AIDS virus does not cause death; opportunistic infections do.

  1. Antibody tests

    • Testing for the AIDS virus is usually done through a blood test, though AIDS antibodies can be detected in saliva and urine as well. The most common tests are the ELISA, the Western Blot and the Rapid Antibody tests.

    ELISA

    • The ELISA test requires a blood sample to be drawn and separated, meaning the blood solids (RBC's, WBC's, platelets, etc.) are separated from the liquid portion, or the serum. Antibodies to the HIV virus will bind to the antigens in the test, if positive.

    Western Blot

    • The Western Blot test looks for the proteins associated with the HIV antibodies. After separation, the proteins are subjected to a procedure similar to the ELISA test. This process is considered the gold standard for HIV testing.

    Rapid Antibody Test

    • The Rapid Antibody test was developed for doctor's offices and hospitals that need to know a patient's status faster than a lab can deliver results. The test tests for the presence of antibodies in saliva. Postive rapid antibody tests must be followed up with an ELISA or Western Blot to be considered accurate.

    Considerations

    • All of the methods used for testing should be followed up with another test of a different type as false positives and false negatives are possible. The least accurate is the rapid test, while the most accurate is the Western Blot test.

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