Serologic confirmation of HIV infection

As the number of patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) increases, it is important for eye care practitioners to become familiar with the serologic testing used in testing for HIV infection. These tests include: HIV-ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay), HIV-Western Blot, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) gene amplification, p24 core antigen assay, Beta 2-microglobulin levels, and CD4 lymphocyte counts. This Symposium discusses the aforementioned serologic tests and their uses in the diagnosis and management of HIV infection.