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AIDS/ELISA TESTING METHOD

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Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 5/14/2009


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.

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Volunteer

Kristen Brannock, MPH

Expertise

I can answer 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 become an HIV/AIDS counselor and was a member of CARES- Carolina AIDS Resource Education Service in college. I have an MPH in Health Behavior and Health Education and conduct research in the field of HIV prevention. I also take continuing education courses in HIV/STI prevention periodically.

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)

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