Viral load testing monitors disease progression and evaluates effectiveness of treatment.
The Western blot test is positive if antibodies to at least three major HIV antigens are present.
Patients with AIDS present with a white blood cell (WBC) count between 5,000 and 10,000 cells/mm3 .
An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test can detect the presence of antibodies within 2 weeks of exposure.
Number 1 is correct.
Viral load testing measures the level of HIV RNA or other viral proteins and monitors disease progression and evaluates effectiveness of treatment. The Western blot test is positive if antibodies to at least two major HIV antigens are present. Clients with AIDS are frequently leukopenic, with a WBC less than 3,500 cells/mm3 . The ELISA test cannot detect antibodies before 3 weeks to 3 months. The client can test negative although HIV infection is present until sufficient antibodies are made.
