What are quantitative and qualitative antibodies tested for?

Quantitative and qualitative antibodies are primarily used in the context of HIV progression. Quantitative tests measure the amount of antibody present in the blood, which can indicate the stage of HIV infection and how well the immune system is responding to the virus. Qualitative tests, on the other hand, determine the presence or absence of antibodies, thereby helping to confirm an active infection. Monitoring these antibodies is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy and understanding the immune status of an individual with HIV.

In relation to the other options, while antibodies might play a role in autoimmune disorders, blood group antigens, and infections, they are not the main focus when determining HIV progression. Autoimmune disorders typically involve a different set of tests specifically oriented towards identifying autoantibodies. Blood group antigens are determined through blood typing rather than antibody measurement, and while antibodies can indicate infections, HIV progression relies specifically on understanding both qualitative and quantitative measurements of HIV antibodies.