HIV ELISA/Western blot
Alternative names:
ELISA/western blot - HIV; western blot
What the risks are:
- excessive bleeding
- fainting or feeling lightheaded
- hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
- multiple punctures to locate veins
Special considerations:
This test may be repeated after a time, or other tests performed, if HIV disease is suspected and the results of the test are negative.
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
FAQ (Frequently asked questions)
Q: Who should be tested?
A: (1). Persons with sexually transmitted diseases,
(2). High-risk categories (Injection drug users, gay and bisexual men, hemophiliacs, regular sexual partners of persons in these categories, and persons with known HIV infection).
(3). Lower risk categories (prostitutes, persons who received blood products from 1977 - May 1985, and heterosexual persons with > one sex partner in past 12 months and non-compliance with condom use in the past six months)
(4). Persons who consider themselves at risk or request the test
(5). Pregnant women
(6). Patients with active tuberculosis
(7). Recipient and source of occupational exposures
(8). Donors of blood, semen, and organs
(9). Medical evaluation for clinical or laboratory findings suggesting HIV infection (generalized lymphadenopathy, chronic unexplained fever, diarrhea or weight loss, thrush).
Q: Where can I be tested?
A: Many places provide testing for HIV infection, including local health departments, offices of private doctors, hospitals, and sites specifically set up to provide HIV testing. It is important to seek testing at a place that also provides counseling about HIV and AIDS. Counselors can answer any questions you might have about risky behavior and ways you can protect yourself and others in the future. The CDC National AIDS Hotline can answer questions about testing and can refer you to testing sites in your area. The Hotline numbers are 1-800-342-2437 (English), 1-800-344-7432 (Spanish), or 1-800-243-7889 (TTY).
Q: What are home HIV tests?
A: The Home Access test kit can be found at most local drug stores. The testing procedure involves pricking your finger with a special device, placing drops of blood on a specially treated card, and then mailing the card in to be tested at a licensed laboratory. Customers are given an identification number to use when phoning for the test results. Callers may speak to a counselor before taking the test, while waiting for the test result, and when getting the result.
Sources:
Bartlett, J.G. 1999 Medical Management of HIV Infection. The Johns Hopkins Hospital. http://hopkins-aids.edu/publications/index_pub.html.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Divisions of HIV/AIDS Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/nchstp/hiv_aids/dhap.htm.
Update Date: 04/01/00
Luis A. Diaz, Jr. M.D., Johns Hopkins Medical Institute, VeriMed Health Network
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