Human immunodeficiency virus western blot tests: comparisons and considerations

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Western Blot (WB) tests are used as an aid in the diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency disease syndrome (AIDS) and related disorders. The object of this study is to examine and compare the results of four commercially available HIV WB methods. Sera from 974 persons were tested by four (Kits I, II, III, and IV) HIV WB methods from different vendors. The HIV WB were interpreted by recognized criteria published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Results: 65 percent of the referred specimens received were HIV enzyme immunoassay (EIA) repeatedly reactive (R), and 35 percent of the referred specimens were HIV EIA nonreactive (NR). The EIA (NR) sera showed the greatest variability for HIV WB results, especially in the indeterminant (I) category. The HIV WB tests commercially available vary in sensitivity and specificity. Standarization of materials and controls and the use of uniform interpretation criteria are needed.

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