Diagnosis and Testing of HIV Infection

HIV can affect anyone, but testing is particularly recommended for individuals at high risk, including those who share needles, individuals treated for illnesses like hepatitis or TB, and those who have had unprotected sex. Symptoms are not a reliable way to diagnose HIV; therefore, testing is the only way to confirm infection.

HIV tests detect the virus or specific antibodies. Because the virus can mutate to evade the immune system, the body takes time to produce detectable antibodies. The standard diagnostic approach is a two-step process: an initial screening using the ELISA test, followed by a Western blot test to confirm positive results.

False positives, where an ELISA test incorrectly indicates infection, are verified using the more specific Western blot test. Conversely, false negatives can occur during the 'window period'—the time interval between infection and when the body produces enough detectable antibodies. High-risk individuals testing negative should re-test after three months.

Babies born to HIV-positive mothers inherit maternal antibodies, which can lead to complex diagnostic results. It is essential for healthcare providers to conduct specific testing for these infants to determine if the child is actually infected with the HIV virus.