title: Ensuring the quality of HIV rapid testing in resource-poor countries using a systematic approach to training.
abstract: HIV rapid testing is a key tool in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic; it enables the rapid expansion of prevention and treatment programs in resource-limited countries. Meeting the goals of these programs means that millions of people will need testing annually. Accuracy and reliability of these tests are critical to the success of these programs. Given the enormous number of rapid tests that are performed each year, even a low error rate of 0.5% applied to 100 million people will result in 500,000 erroneous results. Ensuring the quality of HIV rapid testing presents unique challenges in that testing is often performed in various settings by personnel without formal laboratory training. This article describes the development and implementation of a generic HIV rapid test training package using a systems approach in an effort to standardize training and ensure the quality of rapid tests. It also highlights achievements from Uganda, Haiti, and Botswana.
authors.affiliation: International Laboratory Branch, Global AIDS Program, MS G-45, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
authors.forename: Katy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yao
authors.forename: Winnie
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wafula
authors.forename: Ebi Celestin
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Bile
authors.forename: Rachanee
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cheignsong
authors.forename: Stacy
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Howard
authors.forename: Austin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Demby
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nkengasong
mesh_terms: D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis / Q000592:standards*; D001902:Botswana; D003150:Community Health Workers / Q000193:education*; D003906:Developing Countries; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006205:Haiti; D006801:Humans; D017056:Medical Laboratory Personnel / Q000193:education; D010865:Pilot Projects; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems / Q000458:organization & administration; D011203:Poverty; D014454:Uganda