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Although not required for a positive HIV Western blot, the presence or absence of the p31 band may give a clue to the likelihood of HIV infection in low-risk settings.
A major concern in testing of low-risk individuals for HIV is the likelihood of a false-positive result. This is of particular importance in screening blood donors, since they are excluded from donation if on preliminary evaluation they have risk behaviors associated with HIV infection. These authors describe experience with false-positive HIV antibody tests in this large sample derived from five separate blood donation centers.
The study included more than 5 million samples donated from 1991 through 1995. Specimens were considered positive on Western blot if they were reactive…