How reliable is the U.S. Army's HIV/AID's testing?

Answer 1

Hello:
This answer is in response to the question you posted on yahoo concerning the reliability and validity of HIV antibody testing done by the U.S. Army.
I have worked at Dewitt Army Hospital in Virginia and they use the same testing as the usual civilian laboratories.
There is only a finite number of testing modalities and all labs (armed forces or civilian) use the same methods.
When a patient's blood is sent to the lab, the first test that is done is what is called an "antibody" test. It is either positive, negative or indeterminate. When an antibody test is either positive or indeterminate, the blood is then run through another test called a Western Blot test to confirm the original result.
This test is very sensitive as a confirmatory test.
Now all laboratory tests have a margin of error, however the confirmatory test is nearly 100% accurate, probably less than 0.1% false positives.
So when you get a test done, and the first type is positive, it is ALWAYS run through the second test to confirm the results.
So, essentially the answer to your question is the Armed Forces lab testing for HIV is just as good as going to a private/civilian physician.
I hope this answered your question and alleviated some of your concerns.
Regards,
Warren Shaffer, M.D.

Answer 2

I'm sure its just as reliable as as most HIV tests, as accurate as scientifically possible. But I suggest that you talk to your Doc. HIV tests are nearly 100% accurate and 99% specific.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

99.9%