The Western blot and ELISA tests are two blood antibody tests that may detect HIV. Laboratory blood tests can diagnose HIV through detecting certain antibodies or proteins produced by the immune system in response to the virus. While the ELISA test is recommended in the course of testing, the Western blot test is no longer considered reliable.
Those at risk for contracting HIV include:
1. people who use intravenous (IV) drugs
2. people who have sex without a condom, especially with someone who has HIV or an unknown HIV status
3. people who have had sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
If a person tests positive for HIV on the ELISA test, they might have HIV. However, there can be false positives with the ELISA test. This means that test results indicate that the person has HIV when they actually do not.
