Is Western blot still used for HIV?

However, the Western blot is no longer used, and today the ELISA test is followed by an HIV differentiation assay to confirm HIV infection. The provider may also order an HIV genetic material detection test.

Does Western blot test HIV-1 and 2?

A positive result by HIV-1 Western blot confirms the presence of antibodies to HIV, and testing for HIV-2 is recommended only if HIV-2 risk factors are present. If the HIV-1 Western blot result is negative or indeterminate, an HIV-2 EIA should be performed.

How do you do a Western blot test?

Tests for HSV antibodies may also be available through your local healthcare provider. You can have your blood tested with a Western Blot at the University of Washington Virology Lab. To do this, you or your health care provider can call 206-520-4600 to request the HSV Type-Specific Serology information packet.

How are the Elisa and Western blot tests used to detect HIV different?

Currently licensed ELISA tests have greater than 98\% sensitivity and specificity for HIV. Western blot analysis detects antibodies to specific HIV antigens and is best used as a confirmatory test. In spite of the high sensitivity and specificity of both tests, false-positive and false-negative results do occur.

Why is Western blot no longer used?

The HIV-1 Western blot (WB), the historic gold standard for laboratory diagnosis of HIV-1 infection, is no longer part of the recommended algorithm. The two main reasons for this are the inability of the WB to detect acute infection and the potential to misclassify HIV-2 infection as an HIV-1 infection.

Which is more accurate Elisa or Western blot?

Compared to ELISA, Western blotting has higher specificity; the higher specificity, the more the method is independent of the specificity of antibodies.

When do Western blot results interpret indeterminate?

The result is considered indeterminate when one or more bands are present but do not meet the criteria for a positive Western blot result. A positive HIV-1 Western blot result following a positive EIA result for HIV-1 or HIV-2 is diagnostic of established HIV-1 infection.

When does the western blot test results interpreted as indeterminable?

A person whose Western blot test results continue to be consistently indeterminate for at least 6 months–in the absence of any known risk factors, clinical symptoms, or other findings–may be considered to be negative for antibodies to HIV-1.