EIA vs ELISA
EIA and ELISA are both laboratory tests commonly used to detect HIV. “EIA” stands for “enzyme immune assay” while “ELISA” stands for “enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Aside from the Western Blot method, another HIV antibody test, both EIA and ELISA are also reliable tests. Health practitioners often use EIA and ELISA during the initial screening of HIV. Negative results in the EIA and ELISA tests do not require additional testing. However, if the screening tests are positive, this is the time wherein you need to have a Western Blot test.
According to Clinchem.org, both EIA and ELISA have synonymous names. Both tests are assay systems. EIA is described as a group of binding assays in which the molecular recognition properties of antibodies are used. There are several types of EIA. This includes a competitive EIA for antigens, immunoenzymometric assay for antigens, a sandwich EIA for antigens, EIA for antibodies, a homogeneous EIA for haptens, and other EIAs.
The application of an EIA has proven to have several advantages. EIA tests are performed simply, yet the assays can be very rapid. They are also cheap, and the equipment is readily available. It has the potential for automation, and it poses no risk for biohazards.
On the other hand, the ELISA works the same as the EIA test. Like the EIA, it is a laboratory test commonly used to detect the antibodies present in your bloodstream. When you will undergo this laboratory test, no special preparation is needed. The healthcare provider will draw your blood from the inside of your elbow, or it can be drawn at the back of your hand.
Before drawing the blood, the healthcare provider will clean the site with an antiseptic to kill the germs that are possibly present. To draw blood out, he will usually make the vein swell by wrapping an elastic band around your upper arm. He will then draw out the blood using a syringe and needle. The punctured site is covered with a clean cotton ball to stop the bleeding. Another method for drawing blood out is through puncturing the skin and making it bleed.
During the EIA or ELISA test, you will often feel a moderate pain while the needle is being punctured into your skin. But this is needed in order to draw blood and see whether there are harmful viruses that are present inside your bloodstream. Some risks can be associated with EIA or ELISA testing. Since a blood sample is needed from the patient, if he or she is sensitive to needles or puncture procedures, he or she might feel light-headed, exhibit excessive bleeding, hematoma and a minimal risk of infection.
Performing an EIA or ELISA test is necessary to detect HIV. If you have been sexually active and you suspect that you are possibly infected, consult your physician right away. The HIV virus is the primary cause of AIDS. It can destroy your immune system, and until now, there is no definite cure for AIDS. To avoid acquiring the HIV virus, you need to observe responsible, sexual intercourse.
Summary:
- EIA and ELISA are both laboratory tests commonly used to detect HIV.
- “EIA” stands for “enzyme immune assay” while “ELISA” stands for “enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.”
- EIA and ELISA work the same, so they are often regarded as similar tests to detect HIV.
- The healthcare provider will draw blood from your veins, and your blood sample will be examined to detect antibodies and viruses within your bloodstream.
- To avoid acquiring the HIV virus, you need to observe responsible, sexual intercourse.