Which screening method is commonly used for anti-HIV-1 detection?

The enzyme-labeled immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is commonly used for the detection of anti-HIV-1 antibodies due to its sensitivity, specificity, and ability to process multiple samples simultaneously. In this method, antigens from the HIV virus are immobilized on a solid surface, and patient serum is added. If antibodies specific to HIV are present in the serum, they will bind to the antigens. A secondary enzyme-labeled antibody that binds to human antibodies is then added, which allows for the quantification of the bound antibodies through a color change reaction. This makes ELISA a highly effective screening tool for HIV, enabling early detection and timely intervention.

In contrast, while other methods like latex agglutination or radioimmunoassay may have applications in immunological testing, they are not as widely used or standardized for HIV antibody detection as ELISA. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is primarily used in different contexts, such as the separation and identification of chemical compounds, and does not apply to the detection of anti-HIV antibodies. Thus, ELISA stands out as the preferable method for routine screening due to its robust performance in identifying HIV infections.