What is the difference between an antibody test and an antigen test?
An antibody test looks for antibodies that have been produced in response to the presence of HIV. Antigen tests look for the virus (the antigen) directly. Antigen tests are more expensive and less accurate than anitbody tests. • What are the names of the tests for HIV? The EISA or EIA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) is the most common test. The IFA (immuno-florescent assay) and Western Blot are confirmatory tests. The PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is an antigen test for HIV. The brand name of the oral antibody test is Orasure. • What is the so-called “window period” in an HIV test? The time between initial infection and when a test is accurate is the “window period.” • Where can I get an HIV test? All county health departments in Oregon and southwest Washington offer confidential HIV testing. Private physicians, clinics, Planned Parenthood, Tribal Health Clinics, some college health centers, and the school-based health clinics in Portland Public Schools also offer HIV testing. •
