(^168) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified
HOW DOES THE TEST WORK?
A small amount of blood is removed from the patient and is examined for
immunoglobulins, and their antibodies, antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factor,
and lupus erythematosus cell preparation. A positive finding indicates that the
patient has the corresponding immunologic disease, or has had some exposure.
WHAT TO DO?
- After the procedure:
- Make sure that the site of the venipuncture isn’t bleeding to ensure that
adequate clotting has occurred.
- Make sure that the site of the venipuncture isn’t bleeding to ensure that
- Results should be available in several days.
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
(ELISA)
WHY IS IT GIVEN?
This determines if the patient’s blood contains antibodies for the human immuno-
deficiency virus (HIV) to determine if the patient is HIV-positive.
HOW DOES THE TEST WORK?
A small sample of blood is taken and examined for the presence of the HIV anti-
body. This is generally used for screening and confirmation is necessary with a
Western Blot test.
WHAT TO DO?
- Before the procedure:
- Obtain written informed consent due to legal requirements.
- Explain the purpose of the test and how the test results are interpreted.