Why Is a False Positive More Significant in HIV Testing

question 19

Multiple Choice

Why is a false positive more significant in HIV testing of patients than in screening donated blood for transfusions?

• A) It isn't-both are equally dangerous/significant. False positives in PEOPLE can lead to psychological trauma, but false positives in BLOOD could lead to the useful blood being disposed.
• B) A false positive in a PERSON is easily re-testable. This makes it more significant, because we would simply quickly retest the person to verify their actual HIV status.
• C) A false positive in BLOOD is easily re-testable. This makes it less significant, because we would simply quickly retest the blood to verify its actual HIV status.
• D) This statement is backwards-false positives in blood testing are more significant. If the false positive rate is high and we don't realize it, we're more likely to dispose useful blood. This could lead to acute shortages of blood for patients that need transfusions.

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Definitions:

Endocrine System

A network of glands in the body that produce hormones, which regulate processes such as growth, metabolism, and reproductive function.

Ovaries

Female reproductive organs in which ova or eggs are produced, part of the vertebrate female reproductive system.

Testes

Male reproductive organs responsible for producing sperm and hormones, such as testosterone.

Endocrine System

A network of glands and organs that produce, store, and secrete hormones into the bloodstream to regulate the body's processes and maintain homeostasis.