Laboratory Tests

This chapter covers the following topics: HIV viruses including viral variants (group O and group N); immune responses to HIV and detection markers; HIV serologic tests; initial tests to detect HIV antibody; confirmatory tests to detect antibody, antigen, or RNA; false-negative and false-positive results; testing strategies and algorithms; alternative testing strategies for resource-limited countries; home tests; tests that use oral fluids; molecular tests to detect and monitor HIV infection; kinetics of viral nucleic acid production (including qualitative and quantitative RNA tests); HIV DNA assessment; uses of viral load tests; rapid molecular tests; resistance testing (including purpose and scope); resistance test methods; tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs); screening tests for other infectious agents; and recommended reading.