To detect antibodies against HIV in a patient, one should use a/an

Options

A. indirect ELISA
B. direct agglutination test
C. direct fluorescent antibody test
D. fluorscene-activated cell sorter

Answer

To detect antibodies against HIV in a patient, the appropriate method to use is the ELISA test, specifically the indirect ELISA. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the solution:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Purpose**: The question asks for a method to detect antibodies against HIV. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system in response to infections.

2. **Identifying the Test**: The most commonly used test for detecting antibodies against HIV is the ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay).

3. **Function of ELISA**: The ELISA test works by using an enzyme-linked antibody that binds to the target antibody (in this case, the HIV antibody). If the HIV antibodies are present in the patient’s blood, they will bind to the enzyme-linked antibodies, leading to a measurable signal.

4. **Confirmatory Testing**: If the ELISA test is positive, it is usually followed by a confirmatory test to ensure the accuracy of the diagnosis.

5. **Excluding Other Options**:
- **Direct Agglutination Test**: This test is not suitable for detecting HIV antibodies; it is used for conditions like hemolytic anemia.
- **Direct Fluorescent Antibody Test**: This test is used for diagnosing certain viral infections, not specifically for HIV.
- **Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS)**: This is a technique for sorting cells, not for detecting antibodies.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is the **indirect ELISA test**.

### Final Answer:
To detect antibodies against HIV in a patient, one should use an **indirect ELISA**.