title: Performance of the OraQuick and Hema-Strip rapid HIV antibody detection assays by non-laboratorians.
abstract: Rapid HIV antibody tests (RT) now permit HIV screening in settings where laboratory personnel may not be available. This study assessed the ability of 99 individuals with no laboratory experience to conduct two RT, OraQuick and Hema-Strip; these results were compared with those generated by laboratory professionals. All participants received written instructions and one-half also received a short demonstration. Error rates ranged from 2.1% to 4.6% with or without a demonstration. However, the number of invalid tests was greatly reduced when participants received a demonstration. Appropriate RT training for non-laboratorians and continued monitoring of HIV RT performance in non-laboratory settings is recommended.
authors.affiliation: National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, NE MS D-12, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. tgranade@cdc.gov
authors.forename: Timothy C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Granade
authors.forename: Bharat S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Parekh
authors.forename: Susan K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.forename: J Steve
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: McDougal
mesh_terms: D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005260:Female; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017056:Medical Laboratory Personnel / Q000592:standards*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D015483:HIV Antibodies; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic