Question

therefore the hiv diagnosis cannot be made after a single test and confirmatory tests must be carried out on all positive tests."

Answer 1

The definitive diagnosis of HIV infection at any age requires diagnostic testing that confirms the presence of HIV. Serological testing identifies HIV antigen and/or antibody generated as part of the immune response to infection with HIV. In children older than 18 months of age, serological testing should be used in the same manner as in adults. However, maternal HIV antibody is transferred to the baby passively during pregnancy and then declines (with a half-life of 28–30 days in non-breastfed infants) (24-29). Infected infants then go on to produce HIV antibody