Which statement about HIV testing is accurate?

The statement that the screening ELISA test detects antibodies and is 99% sensitive and specific is accurate because the ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) test is the standard initial screening method used to identify antibodies to HIV in the blood. Sensitivity refers to the test's ability to correctly identify those with the virus (true positive rate), while specificity refers to its ability to correctly identify those without the virus (true negative rate). A sensitivity and specificity near 100% means that the test is highly effective at detecting HIV antibodies in the majority of individuals who are HIV positive and not giving false positives for those who do not have the virus.

This high performance is critical in preventive healthcare, as a reliable initial test allows for effective follow-up testing and early intervention for those who are diagnosed. Thus, the ELISA test is a vital component in screening protocols for HIV and serves as the backbone of HIV testing strategies.