HIV Antibody

Latest Edit: Hector 2014-03-24 (EDT)

See Also	Lab Tests

This test is used to diagnose HIV infection. It is also used to screen blood and organ donors for the presence of HIV.

Discussion

• HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is also known as human T-lymphotrophic virus type III (HLTV-III), or the lymphadenopathy-associated virus (LAV).
• Two types of HIV are found to exist; type 1, which is most prevalent in the United States, and type 2, which is mostly limited to western african nations.
• This test is normally conducted only after an enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) screening test is shown to be reactive, and the immunofluorescence assay (IFA) validates the results, in order to ensure the accuracy and correct interpretation of the results.

Patient Preparation

• No fasting required.

• Factors which can cause increased levels

• Autoimmune disease, lymphoproliferative disease, leukemia, lymphoma, syphilis, or in alcoholics

• Factors which can cause decreased levels

• Early incubation stage or the end state of AIDS

Clinical Implications

High levels indicate:

• AIDS
• AIDS-related complex

Low levels indicate:

• None noted

Associated Tests

• Lymphocyte Immunophenotyping (AIDS-T Lymphocyte Cell Markers), HIV Viral Load