HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot

Understanding HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot

HIV or Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes disease by damaging your immune system and hence interfering with your body's ability to fight infection and disease. It is caused by 2 types of viruses, namely HIV 1 & HIV 2.

HIV is transmitted from one infected person to another through sexual contact, contaminated blood transfusions, shared needles and syringes, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding (vertical transmission). If untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS (acquired immuno...

What does HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot measure?

The HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot test that helps confirm the presence of antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and type 2 (HIV-2) in the blood. It is intended to be used as a specific confirmatory test after the preliminary screening tests, like ELISA, Chemiluminescence assay (CLIA/CMIA) rapid card tests etc., show a positive result. This test is more specific and helps confirm an HIV diagnosis.