t - New York Civil Liberties Union
t - New York Civil Liberties Union
t - New York Civil Liberties Union
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083<br />
<strong>Union</strong>-Endicott<br />
Name:<br />
_<br />
~<br />
There are several types of HI V tests available. It's important to understand how each type<br />
of test works-and also helpful to recognize the difference between confidential and<br />
anonymous testing.<br />
Enzyme Immune<br />
Assay (EIA)<br />
The most commonly used HIV screening test is an enzyme immune assay (EIA).<br />
It identifies antibodies in the blood that are produced by the body to fight HIV. If<br />
an EIA test shows a reaction, the test is repeated on the same blood sample.<br />
Those test results are then "confirmed" using a second test-usually the W estern<br />
Blot test.<br />
Western<br />
Blot<br />
This test is more specific and can tell<br />
the difference between HIV<br />
antibodies and other antibodies that<br />
might also react to the EIA and cause<br />
false-positive results. A person is<br />
considered infected with HIV<br />
following a repeatedly reactive result<br />
from the EIA, confirmed by the<br />
Western Blot test.<br />
Rapid HIV Tests<br />
A rapid HIV test usually produces<br />
results in less than two hours. There<br />
are currently three rapid HIV tests<br />
licensed for use in the United States:<br />
Confidential testing-With<br />
this type of testing, your name is<br />
linked to your test results and the<br />
results may become part of your<br />
medical records. However, the<br />
information can only be released<br />
with your written permission.<br />
Anonymous testing-This type<br />
of testing does not link your name<br />
to your test results. It uses a code<br />
number or file number to identify<br />
you. Your name remains unknown<br />
to anyone in the laboratory.<br />
};> OraQuick Rapid HIV -1 Antibody Test, manufactured by OraSure<br />
Technologies,<br />
Inc.<br />
};> Reveal HIV -1 Antibody Test, manufactured by MedMira, Inc.<br />
};> Single U se Diagnostic System for HIV -1 (SUDSTM),<br />
manufactured by Abbott-Murex<br />
The availability of these tests may differ from one place to another. These tests are<br />
considered to be just as accurate as the standard blood test. As is true for all<br />
screening tests, a positive test result must be confirmed with an additional specific<br />
test before a diagnosis of HIV infection can be given.<br />
For more information on rapid HIV tests, please see Faet Sheet 8, Rapid HIV Tests.<br />
Thisfact sheet is continued on the next page .<br />
AIDS<br />
HUMAN RELATIONS MEDIA ..<br />
UPDATE: THE LATEST FACTS
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