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Early Infant Diagnosis of HIV

You answered:

A Perform a rapid HIV 1/2 antibody test (e.g. Determine or Unigold) on the baby at 4 to 6 weeks of age.

This answer is incorrect. Due to the presence of maternal antibodies, a rapid serologic test (such as Determine or Unigold) is likely to be positive in all HIV-exposed infants. This test detects IgG antibodies to the HIV virus that are passed through the placenta into the fetal circulation during pregnancy. Maternal antibodies are likely to remain present until 12 to 15 months of age, so this type of serologic testing is only reliable for infant HIV diagnosis after 18 months of age.

Choose another answer:

B Perform a DNA or RNA PCR test on a dried bloodspot sample only after the infant has stopped breastfeeding. If the initial test is POSITIVE, have the infant return in 2 months for a repeat confirmatory sample.
C Perform a DNA or RNA PCR test on a dried bloodspot sample at 4 to 6 weeks of age. If the initial test is POSITIVE, start the infant on anti-retroviral therapy immediately and collect a second blood sample for confirmatory HIV testing.
D Perform a DNA or RNA PCR test on a dried bloodspot sample at 4-6 weeks of age. If the initial test is POSITIVE, have the infant return in 2 months for confirmatory HIV testing.

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