HIV Testing

HIV is the virus that weakens the immune system and causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Tests used to diagnose HIV infection detect the presence of HIV-specific antibodies that the body produces in response to the virus, or the presence of the virus itself.

The ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) is commonly used as a screening test, which is then confirmed by another test called the Western Blot.

“Lock-and-key” relationship between the antibodies (Y) and the virus is the basis of ELISA.