🧬 Rationale: HIV Screening Test 🧬

HIV screening means conducting an initial test for HIV infection in a person.

During screening, the blood is tested to see whether the body has produced antibodies against HIV.

The question is – What is tested in the blood during HIV screening?

✅ Correct Answer: (c) HIV antibodies

HIV antibodies are produced by the body’s immune system after the entry of the HIV virus.

ELISA and Rapid tests are used to detect these antibodies.

Therefore, in HIV screening, the blood test checks for → HIV antibodies.

Why are the other options incorrect?

(a) P24 antigen → This is found in the very early stage of infection (window period), but it is not a routine screening test.

(b) HIV DNA plasma → This test is mainly performed for newborns and for confirmatory testing.

(d) Presence of HIV RNA → This is a viral load test, which is used for monitoring treatment, not for screening.

✅ Exam Point:
HIV Screening Test →
➤ Detection of HIV antibodies
(ELISA / Rapid Test)

📌 Disclaimer: This material is for nursing exam preparation. For clinical practice, follow standard guidelines.

💚 Exam Objective Nursing – Asha D
Concept clarity • Exam confidence • Nursing success