Evaluation of a "dip-stick" methodology for detection of antibodies to HIV1.
An HIV1 antibody screening assay, the "ImmunoComb" HIV1 kit which uses a dip-stick methodology, was evaluated using a panel of selected sera. The ImmunoComb detected 144 of 147 (98%) Western-blot-confirmed positive sera. However, when the ImmunoComb was compared with a recombinant EIA capable of detecting early seroconversion, only 144 of 156 (92.3%) recombinant EIA or Western-blot-positive sera were ImmunoComb-positive. Thus, while the kit is suitable for serological surveys and prevalence studies, especially in areas where skilled laboratory staff and sophisticated equipment are unavailable, the low sensitivity precludes its use in blood banks and transfusion services.
Lyons
S F
SF
Medical Research Council AIDS Virus Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Sandringham, South Africa.
McGillivray
G M
GM
Schoub
B D
BD
Smith
A N
AN
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007159:Immunologic Tests; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
D015483:HIV Antibodies; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic