1 Unsparing, harsh, or strict, as in treatment of others: a severe critic. 2  Marked by or requiring strict adherence to rigorous standards or high principles: a severe code of behavior. 3  Stern or forbidding, as in manner or appearance: spoke in a severe voice. 4  Extremely plain in substance or style: a severe black dress.
The most common HIV test is the antibody screening test (immunoassay), which tests for the antibodies that your body makes against HIV.The immunoassay may be conducted in a lab or as a rapid test at the testing site.hese tests cost more than antibody tests and are generally not used as a screening test, although your doctor may order one as a follow-up test, after a positive antibody test, or as part of a clinical workup. To learn more about HIV tests that are FDA-approved for use in the United States, visit CDCâs U.S. HIV tests.
The two types of antibody tests most commonly used to detect HIV infection are the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunoassay) and Western blot tests. These tests are very accurate, but they are only able to detect HIV antibodies and not the HIV virus particle itself. 1  A process is followed to determine if you are HIV positive. 2  First, the ELISA test is performed.  If the ELISA test is negative for the detection of HIV antibodies, the test is reported as negative.