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Early Infant Diagnosis of HIV

You answered:

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.

This answer is incorrect. Although DNA or RNA based testing is the recommended method of diagnosing HIV infection in infants, an initial positive test result should be acted upon as soon as results are available. Providers need not wait two months to collect a confirmatory sample, but rather can do so as soon as initial results are available. Potentially life-saving antiretroviral therapy should be offered immediately, and should not be delayed until confirmatory testing has been performed.

Choose another answer:

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

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