What testing should neonates of HIV-positive mothers receive?
When neonates are born to HIV-positive mothers, serial testing for HIV should be done within the first few days of life, at age 1 month, and again at 4-6 months or later (AAP, ACOG, 2002). Early identification of HIV in neonates is crucial for adequate management. Since maternal antibody may be present, HIV antibody testing is not useful until the baby is 18 months old. Using either HIV-DNA PCR or HIV culture, however, pediatricians can usually determine the HIV status of infants by the age of 4 months.
