HIV I & II Western Blot Test

This test measures the specific proteins, called HIV antibodies, in your blood.

• To detect HIV antibodies that indicate an HIV infection
• To detect an early or chronic HIV infection
• To differentiate between HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections
• To monitor the effectiveness of treatment for an HIV infection

This test is recommended if you have

• a preliminary positive result from another screening test,
• symptoms of an acute or chronic HIV infection,
• a high risk of exposure to the virus, such as unprotected sex with multiple partners or sharing needles, or
• a need to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

A positive result suggests a possible presence of an HIV infection but must be confirmed with additional testing. Abnormal results require further testing and consultation with a doctor.

A small sample of your blood will be taken by a needle stick from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for processing

• No fasting is required.
• Follow your doctor's instructions regarding any medications you’re taking.
• Inform your doctor if you have any specific requirements.

• Rapid antibody tests to screen for an HIV infection
• Viral load tests to measure the amount of virus in the blood
• CD4 count tests to assess the health of the immune system

HIV confirmatory test or the Western blot assay

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It attacks the immune system, which makes it harder for your body to fight off infections and diseases. If left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), a potentially fatal condition.

The HIV I & II Western blot test is an antibody test used to confirm or rule out HIV infection by detecting antibodies against specific HIV proteins in the blood.

The HIV I & II Western blot test detects the presence of antibodies against HIV envelope, core, and pol proteins in the blood, indicating an immune response to the virus.

The Western blot test report can indicate a positive result (presence of specific bands corresponding to HIV proteins), a negative result (absence of these bands), or an indeterminate result (presence of some but not all expected bands).

If the Western blot test procedure yields a positive result, it confirms the presence of HIV infection, leading to counseling and the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) to manage the infection and prevent progression to AIDS.

The benefits of the HIV I & II Western blot test include its high specificity, which reduces false positives, its ability to provide a definitive diagnosis for appropriate treatment and counseling, and its role in public health efforts like seroprevalence surveys and blood donor screening.

The risks associated with the HIV I & II Western blot test are minimal and similar to those of any blood test, such as bruising, excessive bleeding, fainting, hematoma, or a slight risk of infection.

The HIV I & II Western blot test is specifically used to diagnose HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections and is not typically used to diagnose other diseases.

Medications generally do not affect the accuracy of the HIV I & II Western blot test, although certain autoimmune diseases like lupus can cause false positives.

Fasting is not necessary. Please follow your doctor's guidance for any medications you're using. Make sure to inform your doctor of any special needs you may have.

Factors that can affect the results of the HIV I & II Western blot test include testing too soon after exposure (window period), autoimmune diseases causing false positives, and rare instances of cross-reactivity with other retroviruses or medical conditions.

The HIV I & II Western blot test results are usually available within 24 to 48 hours, though the timeframe may vary based on the laboratory and its procedures.