About Kristen Brannock, MPH Expertise I can answer any of your questions concerning HIV infection and AIDS. This includes ways it can and cannot be transmitted, how it is treated, how it affects the body and methods to protect yourself. I can also answer questions concerning safer sex and contraception.
Experience I trained with the Red Cross to be an HIV/AIDS counselor and I am a member of CARES- Carolina AIDS Resource Education Service.
Organizations CARES and trained by the Red Cross I also have my Master of Public Health in Health Behavior and Health Education.
Education/Credentials Master of Public Health
Health Behavior and Health Education
UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
(formerly UNC-CH School of Public Health)
Question CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME ABOUT THE ELISA TESTING METHOD AND THE AIDS WINDOW PERIOD.
Answer The ELISA test looks for antibodies to HIV, not the virus itself. There is a 1-3 month window period with this test meaning that a person can receive a false negative if they test during this period. It takes time for the body to develop enough antibodies to the virus and if one tests before antibodies are detectable, they would receive a false negative.
If someon tests positive on the ELISA, their sample is tested again and then also tested with a confirmatory test. If all tests are positive, then the person receives a positive diagnosis.
