False positive HIV tests
Manufacturers of ELISA tests claim that their tests are highly specific and very sensitive, with accuracies in excess of 99%.
The clinician however should be aware that a positive HIV antibody test may be false, and that all positive tests require the sending of a further sample.
Reasons include:
- a very low prevalence of HIV in the population
- clerical error
- laboratory assay error
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Laboratory testing for the diagnosis of HIV infection: updated recommendations. Jun 2014 [internet publication].
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