title: Evaluation of simple tests for detection of HIV antibodies: analysis of interobserver variation in Tanzania.
abstract: 200 sera were tested for HIV antibodies with different tests in Tanzania. The results were interpreted by 5 different observers with different laboratory experience. There was considerable variation between observers and between testing methods. HIV-Chek was easiest to perform with little interobserver variation, but a few probably false negative readings were seen. Serodia gave many false positives. Western Blots gave more diverging results due to indeterminate sera and lack of training. HIV-Chek seems best when time, facilities, and training are limited and if combined with Serodia false negative results can be excluded.
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jørgensen
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Shao
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Maselle
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Yangi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Thomsen
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Matunda
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Bygbjerg
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gøtzsche
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Svendsen
authors.lastname: Skinhøj
mesh_terms: D015153:Blotting, Western; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D015588:Observer Variation; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D013636:Tanzania
chemical_list: D015483:HIV Antibodies