Pitfalls in HIV testing. Application and limitations of current tests

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot assay are the most commonly used laboratory tests for HIV infection. Both detect antibodies to HIV. ELISA results are based on detection of antigen-antibody complexes by using antibodies labeled with an enzyme that produces a color change in the presence of a specific substrate. Currently licensed ELISA tests have greater than 98% sensitivity and specificity for HIV. Western blot analysis detects antibodies to specific HIV antigens and is best used as a confirmatory test. In spite of the high sensitivity and specificity of both tests, false-positive and false-negative results do occur. Physicians should be aware of specific causes of inaccurate results. In individual cases, knowledge of the patient's history and the criteria used by the laboratory performing the test is important.