Hi Clcpastor,
Generally speaking, HIV will not show up in routine testing.
Routine tests for analytes such as glucose,liver tests (ALT, Alkaline
phosphatase, bilirubin, etc.),cholesterol and electrolytes (sodium,
potassium, chloride, magnesium, etc.) and hematological testing for
white and red blood cells, hemoglobin, platelets, etc., measure the
analytes or cells only, using chemical tests and electrical impedence.
HIV tests, particularly screening tests for HIV are called
serological tests, and detect the HIV antibody only, using a specific
HIV antigen, by enzymatic and antigen testing methods.
In other words, each test is designed specifically to detect only
the analyte one intends to measure. A calcium test will not detect
glucose for example.
However, occasionally other antibodies, such as antibodies to
sphyllis, or TB, can cause false positives in certain tests, and some
analytes can cause false positives in certain tests. For example, if a
patient had a very elevated triglycerides, chemical tests for glucose,
electrolytes, liver enzymes, etc., can give falsely high or low
results. Often no results are achieved until the sample is centrifuged
to remove the triglycerides!
HIV vaccines have been known to cause false positive test results
for HIV tests and other serological tests. Most doctors follow the
protocol of ordering a screening test for HIV. If results are dubious,
or positive, the doctor then orders a more specific and sensitive test
to confirm (or rule out) the presence of HIV antibody. Very specific
tests can detect the presence of the virus itself.
Here is some more information on HIV testing:
http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/hiv_antibody/faq.html
http://www.ihv.org/news/hiv_test.html
I hope this has answered your question. Feel free to request an Answer
Clarification if any part of this answer is unclear.
Regards, Crabcakes |
