If the initial HIV screening test is positive, then what should the next step of action be?

When an initial HIV screening test is positive, the standard protocol involves confirming the result to ensure accuracy before taking further actions. The correct course is to repeat the test in duplicate. This step helps to rule out any false positives that may occur due to various reasons, such as technical errors or cross-reactivity with other proteins.

After confirming the duplicated positive results, subsequent steps can include utilizing a more specific test, such as a third-generation test or a Western blot test, to definitively confirm HIV infection. Immediate initiation of antiretroviral therapy is not an appropriate initial step without confirmatory testing, as this can lead to unnecessary treatment or complications if the initial result was indeed false. Thus, repeating the test in duplicate is crucial for ensuring accurate diagnosis before proceeding with further interventions.