ELISA is the common abbreviation that stands for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It is a test that uses various components of a person's immune system and various chemicals to help in detecting an immune response in a person's body. An ELISA test involves the antibody or the immunologic molecules which are called as antigens. An ELISA test is primarily used in detection of substances which contain antigenic properties. These are primarily proteins and not ions or molecules like potassium and glucose. The ELISA test helps in detecting substances like bacterial antigens, antibodies and hormones. This test is normally the first test used in the detection of an HIV infection. If any antibodies to the HIV virus are found to be present and positive then the test is usually repeated to help in confirming the diagnosis.
If the ELISA test is found to be negative then no other tests are normally required to be done. Usually this particular test has a fairly low possibility of turning out as a false result in the initial few weeks after a person is found to be infected. The western blot is found to be more difficult even than the ELISA test, however it is mainly done to help in confirming the results of the positive ELISA tests that have been done. An IFA or the Indirect fluorescent antibody test is usually also done to help detect HIV antibodies. This test is similar to the Western blot test in so much that it is also usually done to help confirm any of the results of the ELISA test. This test however is not as commonly used as the ELISA test, primarily because it is more expensive. Testing is usually done at a 6 week interval, 3 months interval, and at the 6 months interval after a person has been exposed to to the HIV virus.
The various ways by which a person can get infected with this HIV virus is by having unprotected sex with an infected person; that is having sex without using a condom. A person can even get it by using the infected needles or syringes of a person who is HIV positive. Some people could even acquire the virus from blood transfusions from affected parties. Some babies who are born to mothers who are HIV infected can get the infection. Some babies can get the infection when they are being breast fed by an infected mother.
Submitted by M T on March 8, 2010 at 10:43