What are the different types of HIV Testing Methodologies and what do they mean?
ELISA Methodology The ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay), or EIA, is the most commonly used HIV antibody test. It is a highly sensitive test, meaning that all (or nearly all) infected people will test positive. Western Blot Methodology The Western Blot test is most commonly used to confirm a positive ELISA test. It is more specific than the ELISA test, so all or nearly all people who are not infected will test negative. The two tests combined result in nearly 100% accuracy. PCR Methodology PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) detects the virus before the body produces antibodies, and viral culture, where a culture of the virus is produced from a blood sample. Additional tests may be used to assess the functioning of the immune system as a measure of the progression of HIV disease. NAT Methodology (Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing) Nucleic Acid Testing, or NAT, is a nucleic acid amplification technology that includes polymer chain reaction, or PCR, to detect certain viral component
