HIV Antibody Test By ICMA With Western Blot Confirmation. Meaning?

Brief Answer:
ICMA, Western blot

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr. XXXXXXX
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ICMA stands for Immunochemiluminometric assay.
This test detects antibodies against HIV 1 and 2 and hence can be considered as third generation kit.
The fourth generation kit usually detects HIV 1 and 2 antigens and antibodies.
Western blot test is a confirmatory test done for HIV testing.
If the ICMA test is reactive repeatedly for at least 2 out of 3 tests then that sample is subjected to Western blot test for confirmation.

I hope I have answered your question satisfactorily.
Thanks.

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Brief Answer:
Swollen lymph nodes in HIV

Detailed Answer:
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Swollen lymph nodes can occur normally too.
The lymph nodes can swell in any bacterial or viral infection.
Size of nodes, texture, presence or absence of tenderness, signs of inflammation over the node have to examined to rule out if it is significant or not.
The nodes drain different parts of the body and their swelling suggests infection in that part.
For example, if nodes in the neck are swollen, infection is mostly involving the ear, nose and throat.
If swelling of nodes in the groin, then infection is mostly in the external genitalia or perineum.
Swollen lymph nodes in HIV infection is mainly because the virus requires T-lymphocytes to multiply and cause infection.
These cells are mainly produced in the lymph nodes.
Antibody production depends on the virus expression to the cells producing the antibodies. (B lymphocytes)
This expression of virus differs in different individuals and that could be the reason why some produce antibodies faster than others.
Here swollen lymph nodes rather denotes multiplication of virus more than antibody production.
Thanks.

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