Forum on Women and HIV: Name of infant HIV screening test

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		Name of infant HIV screening test Oct 7, 2002 Can you tell me what the name of test is used to screen nebworns for HIV in New York State? What does this test detect the presence of HIV antibodies or the actual HIV status of the newborn? Thank you.


		Response from Dr. Jackson The test detects the presence of antibodies to HIV which will be detectable in all infants born to HIV infected mothers at birth as the mother's antibodies are transferred to the baby through the placenta. However, a positive antibody test in the newborn does not necesarily mean the baby is infected. If the test is positive, then the infant will typically be tested by PCR for detection of the virus. BJ

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