HIV INFECTION: Diagnostic strategy for patients with suspected HIV infection. This new testing algorithm, recommended in 2015 by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, capitalizes on the latest technologies available. It can help to diagnose HIV infection earlier in its course (as much as 3–4 weeks earlier than older HIV antibody-based approaches), potentially preventing transmission of new infections by patients in the earliest (“acute”) stage of infection. Ab = antibody; Ag = antigen; HIV = human immunodeficiency virus; NAT = nucleic acid test. (Algorithm modified from: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/HIVtestingAlgorithmRecommendation-Final.pdf. See also: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/index.html) Source: Algorithms, Guide to Diagnostic Tests, 7e Citation: Nicoll D, Mark Lu C, McPhee SJ. Guide to Diagnostic Tests, 7e; 2017 Available at: http://accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com/DownloadImage.aspx?image=/data/books/2032/nicoll7_ch9_f012.png&sec=152256166&BookID=2032&ChapterSecID=152256137&imagename= Accessed: October 04, 2017 Copyright © 2017 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved