Step 1: Understanding HIV Diagnostic Tests.
HIV infection is mainly diagnosed in the lab using ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) and HIV viral load tests.
- ELISA (D) identifies HIV antibodies.
- HIV viral load testing (C) quantifies HIV in the blood, indicating infection severity.
- Western Blot (B) typically confirms positive ELISA results; Absolute CD4 count (A) assesses immune status but isn't for initial diagnosis.