Pitfalls in HIV testing

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Inaccurate results on HIV tests are rare, but they do occur. Therefore, it is important that primary care physicians understand the laboratory techniques involved. Which assays are used for detection of the virus? How are results of such tests interpreted? What factors cause false-positive and falsenegative results? Drs Cordes and Ryan answer these questions and clarify the uncertainty surrounding HIV testing.

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Notes on contributors

Robert J. Cordes

Robert J. Cordes, DO Michael E. Ryan, DO Dr Cordes (right) is a pediatric resident and Dr Ryan (left) is vice chairman, department of pediatric subspecialties, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania.

Michael E. Ryan

Robert J. Cordes, DO Michael E. Ryan, DO Dr Cordes (right) is a pediatric resident and Dr Ryan (left) is vice chairman, department of pediatric subspecialties, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania.