Question

The ELISA test has been used as the most common, rapid screening test for HIV infection. Its sensitivity is very high but its specificity is rather low (for an important identification test). Which statement describes this accurately?
a. A false positive test result may develop due to the test antigens capturing normal antibodies.
b. Only certain kinds of instruments can be used to pick up the small amount of fluorescence given off in the ELISA test.
c. The patient's specimen has to be handled in a certain way to maintain the integrity of the viral DNA.
d. The test can identify the patient's antibody to HIV only when it is in large quantities.

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is option a." A false positive test result may develop due to the test antigens capturing normal antibodies".

Explanation:

False positive results is one of the issues of low specificity tests, which are defined as wrongly concluding the presence of a particular condition. In the case of ELISA for rapid screening test for HIV infection, false positives results may develop to the test antigens capturing normal antibodies. ELISA looks for antibodies developed by the presence of HIV, however the antigens used in the tests could capture normal antibodies, which leads to false positive results. Further analyses should be made before concluding that a person has a HIV infection.