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Two techniques for detection of anti-HIV-1 antibodies were comparatively investigated. It is shown that the particle agglutination (PA) is at least equivalent to the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) as far as sensitivity is concerned. A ten-fold increased sensitivity of PA was found when compared with Western Blot results. Furthermore, the detection of specific IgM antibodies in sera of HIV-1-infected persons is possible when the PA is used. The high stability of PA reagents when stored at 37 degrees C, the simple performance of the assay, and the possibility of automatization are important advantages of the PA when compared with the EIA.