DIAGNOSIS OF HIV INFECTION

Currently, laboratory diagnosis of HIV infection using different methods of detecting HIV antigens and genetic material of HIV, as well as methods for the detection of antibodies to HIV (i.e. virological, molecular-genetic (PCR) and serological (ELISA, IHA, immune blot) methods). The standard and most affordable procedure is the detection of antibodies to HIV using sets of reagents, with subsequent confirmation of the specificity of antibodies in immune blotting.

Currently, the standard procedure for the laboratory diagnosis of HIV infection is detection of antibodies to HIV (primary diagnosis). When positive reactions of ELISA, IHA performed an immune blotting to determine the specificity of the identified antibodies (second level diagnosis). Immune blotting is placed in a laboratory separation MHZ AIDS.

The time interval during which the body's HIV antibodies are not detected, called period "seronegative window". The survey this period may give a negative result even in the presence of high concentrations of virus in the body. Thus, in order to be confident in a negative test result, you need to repeat the blood test in ELISA six months after a dubious "dangerous" situation, which might occur in HIV infection.

Laboratory tests are the main link in the diagnosis of HIV infection, and, in addition, it is necessary for the timely appointment of a specific treatment and monitoring the effectiveness of therapy. Constant examination of the patients allows to monitor the effectiveness of treatment, to identify comorbidities, to track the development of side effects.

Regular examination of the patient according to the scheme prescribed by the attending physician, is crucial for adequate selection of combinations of antiretroviral drugs, and timely tracking of possible side effects, control of concomitant diseases.