Which of the following is the confirmatory test for the HIV screening test?

The confirmatory test for an HIV screening test is the Western blot. This test is used to definitively diagnose HIV after an initial screening test, such as the ELISA. The Western blot test works by detecting specific proteins that are associated with the HIV virus, providing a higher level of specificity compared to screening tests that may yield false positives.

In clinical practice, the process typically begins with screening patients for HIV using tests like the ELISA. If the screening test is positive, the Western blot test is then employed to confirm the diagnosis. This two-step process is essential in ensuring accurate diagnosis and treatment initiation for patients.

On the other hand, while the HIV polymerase chain reaction test is a sensitive method for detecting viral RNA, particularly in early infection or assessing viral load, it is not used as a first-line confirmatory test following initial HIV screening. Similarly, the HIV antibody test, like the ELISA, is a screening tool rather than a confirmatory one. Thus, the Western blot remains the standard confirmatory test in the diagnosis of HIV after an initial positive screening result.