Sensitivity and specificity of pooled versus individual sera in a human immunodeficiency virus antibody prevalence study.
We evaluated the efficacy of testing pooled versus individual sera for the detection of human immunodeficiency virus antibody. A total of 5,000 individual specimens and 500 pools of 10 specimens each were assayed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. There was complete agreement in human immunodeficiency virus enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay reactivity for pooled versus individual specimens. An estimated savings of 60 to 80% (labor and supplies) can be realized dependent upon pooling and assay format.
Cahoon-Young
B
B
Public Health Laboratory, Alameda County Health Care Services Agency, Oakland, California 94607.
Chandler
A
A
Livermore
T
T
Gaudino
J
J
Benjamin
R
R
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D013048:Specimen Handling
D015483:HIV Antibodies