title: Ability of caregivers to read delayed hypersensitivity skin tests in children exposed to and infected by HIV. The Pediatric Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Complications of Vertically Transmitted HIV Study Group.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify whether nonmedical home caregivers (parents, guardians) could accurately interpret the results of delayed hypersensitivity skin tests in children, thereby obviating the need for a return visit for a professional reading.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients who were enrolled in the Pediatric Pulmonary and Cardiac Complications of HIV (P2C2HIV) study were given annual skin tests to tuberculin purified protein derivative, Candida, and tetanus as part of the study protocol. Caregivers were instructed verbally about how to read and measure erythema and induration. They were given written instructions to take home as well and were asked to return in 48 to 72 hours for the professional reading. On the morning of their return visit, they were to read the skin tests and record the results before coming to the clinic.
  
  
  RESULTS
  When compared with readings by professional staff, caregivers had a high percentage of false-negative readings for both Candida (24%) and tetanus (41%) skin tests. These false-negative readings did not correlate with age, gender, race, or educational level of the caregivers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The high percentage of false-negative readings by the caregivers emphasizes the need for professional reading of delayed hypersensitivity skin tests.
authors.affiliation: UCLA School of Medicine, USA.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: X C
authors.initials: XC
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sunkle
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Geromanos
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Xanthos
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Shearer
mesh_terms: D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education*; D002648:Child; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D006968:Hypersensitivity, Delayed / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012882:Skin Tests / Q000592:standards*; D013742:Tetanus / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013997:Time Factors; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis*