HIV ELISA/western blot

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Blood test

Overview Risks Results

HIV ELISA/western blot

The risks associated with having blood drawn are:

• excessive bleeding
• fainting or feeling lightheaded
• hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
• infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
• multiple punctures to locate veins

Individuals at high risk (men who have sex with men, injection drug users, commercial sex workers, etc.) should be periodically tested for HIV.

If early (acute or primary HIV infection) is suspected, additional tests (HIV viral load, p24 antigen testing) will be needed to confirm this diagnosis, as the HIV ELISA/Western blot will often be negative during this window period.

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