Final answer:
The Elisa test in an HIV test is looking for the presence of HIV antibodies. A positive Elisa test does not provide a definitive diagnosis and is usually followed by confirmatory tests such as a Western blot or PCR test.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Elisa test performed during an HIV test is looking for the presence of HIV antibodies in the blood. The test works by attaching HIV peptides (antigens) to a well in a 96-well plate. If the patient is HIV positive, the antibodies produced in response to the infection will bind to the HIV antigens, which can then be identified by a second antibody-enzyme conjugate.
It's important to note that a positive Elisa test does not provide a definitive diagnosis of HIV infection. Further confirmatory tests, such as a Western blot or PCR test, are often done to confirm the presence of HIV antigens or viral sequences in the patient's blood. Additionally, nucleic acid tests (NATs) can identify the viral load and the presence of HIV before the body's antibody response has fully developed.