Reaffirming the gold standard: superior diagnostic performance of HIV Western blot over qualitative PCR

Roman Pillay; Bronte Jeffrey; Alisa Kane; Leon McNally; Philip Cunningham; Andrew Carr

doi:10.1016/j.pathol.2026.01.296

February 1, 2026Pathology

Reaffirming the gold standard: superior diagnostic performance of HIV Western blot over qualitative PCR

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Key Points

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of HIV Western blot relative to qualitative PCR for HIV infection confirmation.
Comparison of diagnostic methods: HIV Western blot vs. qualitative PCR.
Assessment of test performance based on the recommended laboratory standards.
Evaluation of laboratory confirmation techniques for HIV infection.
HIV Western blot demonstrated superior diagnostic performance compared to qualitative PCR.
The study supports the reliability of HIV Western blot as a gold standard for testing.

Implication

Observational study shows improved diagnostic ability of HIV Western blot over PCR in confirming HIV infection, suggesting more reliable testing methods.

Abstract

Background: The Public Health Laboratory Network has recommended that laboratory confirmation of HIV infection could be based on a repeatedly reactive HIV antigen/antibody combination assay together with detection of HIV nucleic acid 1 or a positive HIV Western immunoblot.

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Cite This Study

Pillay et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/699a534bfdaf4e3c1268eea4 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pathol.2026.01.296

View at Publisher

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Reaffirming the gold standard: superior diagnostic performance of HIV Western blot over qualitative PCR

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Reaffirming the gold standard: superior diagnostic performance of HIV Western blot over qualitative PCR

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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