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What are the concerns for pediatricians caring for babies that are rapid tested preliminary HIV positive at delivery?

April 26, 2017babies caring concerns DELIVERY pediatricians positive Preliminary rapid tested

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What are the concerns for pediatricians caring for babies that are rapid tested preliminary HIV positive at delivery?

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The rapid test is quite accurate in diagnosing possible HIV exposure in the infant. The infant should be treated with a weight-appropriate dose of AZT as soon as possible. That dose should be repeated according to the hospital policy for treatment of HIV-exposed newborns until a confirmatory Western blot result is available. Click here for the Illinois Perinatal HIV Hotline’s neonatal treatment guidelines. There is no need for an EIA (Elisa Immunoassay) test; send the blood for a Western blot confirmation ONLY.