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.
1 Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) . 2  This test is usually the first one used to detect infection with HIV. 3  If antibodies to HIV are present (positive), the test is usually repeated to confirm the diagnosis. 4  If ELISA is negative, other tests are not usually needed.