CMS Serologic Testing for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Form

Serologic testing is employed to detect antibodies to the AIDS virus, which is currently identified by the term "human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)." The virus originally was named "human T-cell lymphotropic virus, type III (HTLV-III), a term that remains in common usage.

Antibodies may be detected by a variety of immunoassay techniques, the most common being an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). When an assay is reactive on initial testing, it should be repeated on the same specimen. A more specific test, (Western blot, immunofluorescent assay) is usually performed following repeatedly reactive ELISA results.

These tests may be covered when performed to help determine a diagnosis for symptomatic patients. They are not covered when furnished as part of a screening program for asymptomatic persons.

NOTE: Two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests that were conducted on the same specimen must both be positive before Medicare will cover the Western blot test.