A patient is advised to be tested for HIV because of his multiple sexual partners and injectable drug use. The nurse should ensure that this patient understands the test by informing him that:

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The individual's blood is tested with ELISA or enzyme immunoassay (ELA), antibody tests that detect the presence of HIV antibodies. If the ELA is positive for HIV, then the same blood is tested a second time. If the second ELA is positive, a more specific confirming test such as the Western blot is done. Blood that is reactive or positive in all three steps is reported to be HIV-positive.

A Patient Is Advised to Be Tested for HIV Because