A person tests **HIV-positive on ELISA**. The next step recommended is:
AStart treatment immediately based on ELISA alone
BConfirmatory test (Western blot or nucleic acid test) — ELISA has occasional false positives; confirmation needed before clinical diagnosis
CRepeat ELISA only
DNo further test needed
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. Confirmatory test (Western blot or nucleic acid test) — ELISA has occasional false positives; confirmation needed before clinical diagnosis
ELISA is a sensitive screen (high sensitivity, occasional false-positives). Positive ELISA → confirm with Western blot (HIV protein-specific bands) or PCR/nucleic acid test (detects HIV RNA/DNA). Only after confirmation is the diagnosis established. Reduces psychological harm + medical errors from false positives.
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