North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

What test is used to determine a newborn's HIV status?

1. Rapid HIV test

2. Viral culture and Polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR)

3. ELISA test

4. Antibody test

The correct answer is: Viral culture and Polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR)

The correct choice is the viral culture and Polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR) because it is the most accurate method for determining a newborn's HIV status, particularly in the first few months of life. Newborns can have maternal antibodies from their mothers if they are HIV positive, which can complicate the determination of their own HIV status. PCR testing directly detects the presence of the virus's genetic material, providing reliable results in infants who might still have maternal antibodies. While rapid HIV tests are beneficial for screening in larger populations and can provide fast results, they are not as reliable for newborns due to the reasons mentioned regarding maternal antibodies. The ELISA test and antibody tests rely on the detection of antibodies that may be present in the mother’s blood and can lead to false positives in newborns until they are older. Therefore, utilizing the viral culture and PCR technique is critical for obtaining an accurate and timely diagnosis in the context of newborns.