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If you perform a test of HIV 1 & 2 from rapid card and then test gives positive result then what next action will you take .



User Temuri
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Final answer:

After a positive result from a rapid HIV test, the next step is to confirm the diagnosis with an immunoblot like the Western blot or a nucleic acid test like RT-PCR. Only a positive result from this subsequent testing confirms an HIV infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

If you receive a positive result from a rapid HIV 1 & 2 serological test, the next action to take is to undergo a confirmatory test. Because there is always a concern about cross-reactivity and false positives, initial tests like the rapid card, or indirect ELISA, need to be validated. A common confirmatory test is an immunoblot, such as the Western blot, which identifies the presence of specific HIV peptides. Alternatively, a nucleic acid test (NAT) like reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) or a nucleic acid antigen test could be used to confirm the presence of the virus. Only after a positive result from the confirmatory test can a definitive diagnosis be made. It's essential to follow up this diagnosis with appropriate medical care and counseling.

User Anders Gerner
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