To Mix or Not to Mix: The Effects of Not Mixing Sera on HIV Serologic Results

摘要

Previously frozen serum samples, known to be positive for antibodies to HIV,produced divergent ELISA results when tested before and after mixing. Eleven of 15 samples produced lower titers before mixing, and all samples had lower optical density readings when compared with the same samples, after mixing. The geometric mean titers were 1,810 tor the mixed samples vs 655 for the same unmixed samples. One sample that was weak-positive produced a negative reaction by Western blot when tested prior to being mixed. Titers determined by a rapid dot blot assay were lower in about half of the samples before mixing Thus, these data clearly emphasize the importance of mixing serum samples prior to testing for HIV antibody. HIV; Diagnostic assays; Serology.