Laboratory diagnostics for HIV infection

Area of Science:

• Clinical diagnostics
• Virology
• Immunology

Background:

• Accurate laboratory diagnosis is crucial for managing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
• Current diagnostic strategies rely on detecting HIV-specific antibodies, antigens, or nucleic acids.
• Advancements in testing technologies continually improve assay performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review common and emerging laboratory methodologies for HIV diagnosis.
• To highlight the evolution of HIV testing assays.

Main Methods:

• Summary of antibody-based HIV detection assays.
• Overview of antigen detection methods for HIV.
• Review of nucleic acid testing (NAT) for HIV diagnosis.

Main Results:

• Various laboratory diagnostic tools are available for HIV detection.
• Newer assays offer improved sensitivity and specificity.
• Nucleic acid tests represent a significant advancement in HIV diagnostics.

Conclusions:

• Laboratory diagnostics are fundamental for HIV detection and monitoring.
• Continuous technological evolution enhances the accuracy of HIV testing.
• A range of methods, from antibody to nucleic acid detection, are employed in modern HIV diagnostics.