Test Can Detect AIDS Antibodies in Blood
An antibody test can detect evidence in blood of exposure to AIDS, and should be available commercially within a few weeks, researchers say.
Health and Human Services Secretary Margaret M. Heckler said the widespread use of the new test by blood banks should prevent the spread of acquired immune deficiency syndrome to persons requiring blood transfusions.
Scientists at the government’s National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Md., said the new test can detect the antibodies against the HTLV-3 virus linked to AIDS.
FDA approval for commercial test kits being developed by five companies is expected in the next few weeks.
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