Serological Testing for Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV-1) Antibody.
All women were tested for human immunodeficiency virus. Maternal testing for
HIV-1 antibody was performed using the ELISA method. A positive result was
confirmed by the Western blot technique using nitrocellulose strips from Epitope.
In the event that the mother's blood was positive, the infant's blood was also
tested. Informed consent was obtained from the women to conduct the HIV
testing. The counselor obtaining consent explained the potential uses of the HIV
test, its limitations, the meaning of test results, and an explanation of the procedures,
including the voluntary nature of the testing, the right to withdraw consent
at any time prior to HIV testing, and the confidential treatment of information
identifying the subject.