[Laboratory tests for HIV infection]

This report describes commercially available tests for HIV diagnosis. It evaluates the sensitivity and specificity of tests and provides guidance for interpreting the test results. How use of them in HIV diagnosis is dependent on which kind of test was used, when the proper technique can to be used and how to interpret the results. The following diagnostic techniques are described: antibody related (EIA and Western blot), genetic test (PCR), viral protein estimation (p24 Ag), cell and viral culture.