[Current methods of laboratory diagnosis of HIV infection]

The paper is a review of scientific data obtained in 1990-1998 and concerning the up-to-date diagnostical approaches used in the laboratory practice. The main widely used methods of HIV-specific antigens and antibodies detection in biological fluids are discussed. The paper deals with the basic methods of HIV-infection diagnosis, an analysis of their specificity, sensitivity, their advantages and possible pitfalls. The principal approach permitting one to improve the current test-systems is the elaboration of automated and express tests side by side with the increasing of their sensitivity and specificity.