Title | Evaluation of current rapid HIV test algorithms in Rakai, Uganda |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2013 |
Authors | Galiwango, RM, Musoke, R, Lubyayi, L, Ssekubugu, R, Kalibbala, S, Ssekweyama, V, Mirembe, V, Nakigozi, G, Reynolds, SJ, Serwadda, D, Gray, RH, Kigozi, G |
Journal | Journal of Virological Methods |
Volume | 192 |
Pagination | 25-7 |
Date Published | Sep |
ISBN Number | 1879-0984 (Electronic)0166-0934 (Linking) |
Accession Number | 23583487 |
Keywords | Sexual and Reproductive Health |
Abstract | Rapid HIV tests are a crucial component of HIV diagnosis in resource limited settings. In Uganda, the Ministry of Health allows both serial and parallel HIV rapid testing using Determine, Stat-Pak and Uni-Gold. In serial testing, a non-reactive result on Determine ends testing. The performance of serial and parallel algorithms with Determine and Stat-Pak test kits was assessed. A cross-sectional diagnostic test accuracy evaluation using three rapid HIV test kits as per the recommended parallel test algorithm was followed by EIA-WB testing with estimates of the performance of serial testing algorithm. In 2520 participants tested by parallel rapid algorithms, 0.6% had weakly reactive result. Parallel testing had 99.7% sensitivity and 99.8% specificity. If Stat-Pak was used as the first screening test for a serial algorithm, the sensitivity was 99.6% and specificity was 99.7%. However, if Determine was used as the screening test, sensitivity was 97.3% and specificity was 99.9%. Serial testing with Stat-Pak as the initial screening test performed as well as parallel testing, but Determine was a less sensitive screen. Serial testing could be cost saving. |
PMCID | PMC3749432 |