FALSE POSITIVE HIV TEST IN LOW PREVALENCE REGION: PAKISTAN
Abstract
The prevalence of HIV in Pakistan is less than 0.1%, but is feared to be spreading among the generalpopulation rapidly. Screening tests for HIV is based on antibody detection. There seems to be littleknowledge regarding the interpretation of HIV results among the population. Most often the patientsare being issued a positive HIV report based on single screening test when in fact it should beconfirmed before issuing a positive HIV result. There is a lot of stigma associated with the disease inPakistan, on the other hand the test is done mostly without counselling services hence causing physicaland mental trauma to the patients.Keywords: HIV, false positive, Pakistan, AIDS, ELISAReferences
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