Test Includes: HIV antibodies by ICMA with Western blot confirmation. If ICMA results are repeatedly positive, Western blot analysis will be performed
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV 1/O/2), the etiologic agent of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), is a cytopathic retrovirus. This test uses recombinant antigen sources and detects antibodies by specific immune binding and subsequent chemiluminescent reaction (ICMA technology). Sensitivity and specificity of this assay are 100% and 99.9%, respectively. Sera which are repeatedly reactive in two out of three tests are subject to confirmatory HIV-1 testing by the Western blot method. Some individuals may be initially reactive by the preliminary test and negative or indeterminate by Western blot. This may be caused by other viral antibodies or autoantibodies which cross react with the viral antigens, although this is extremely rare.
What do I do if my test is Positive?
If your first test for HIV is positive, you should have more blood tests to confirm the results. If your repeat tests are still positive, we strongly advise you to seek medical care, even if you have no symptoms of the Virus. In some cases you may need to start taking medication to try to minimize the HIV infection from developing into AIDS. You need to discuss the test results with your health care provider or an HIV counselor as soon as possible to protect your health as wells as those that come into contact with you.