A term baby is born to a mother on ART for HIV infection. According to the NACP early infant diagnosis algorithm, the first virological test using dried blood spot is performed at:

• A At birth, within the first 48 hours
• B 9 months of age
• C 6 weeks of age ✓
• D 18 months of age

Explanation

Early infant diagnosis uses HIV-1 DNA PCR on dried blood spot at 6 weeks of age, allowing detection of in-utero and intrapartum transmission and prompt initiation of infant ART. Testing at 9 months relies on antibody serology that detects maternal transplacentally transferred IgG, and 18 months is when final antibody status confirms exclusion of infection, not the first virologic test.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.