Using a Multitest Algorithm to Improve the Positive Predictive Value of Rapid HIV Testing and Linkage to HIV Care in Nonclinical HIV Test Sites.
BACKGROUND
Use of a rapid HIV testing algorithm (RTA) in which all tests are conducted within one client appointment could eliminate off-site confirmatory testing and reduce the number of persons not receiving confirmed results.


METHODS
An RTA was implemented in 9 sites in Los Angeles and San Francisco; results of testing at these sites were compared with 23 sites conducting rapid HIV testing with off-site confirmation. RTA clients with reactive results on more than 1 rapid test were considered HIV+ and immediately referred for HIV care. The positive predictive values (PPVs) of a single rapid HIV test and the RTA were calculated compared with laboratory-based confirmatory testing. A Poisson risk regression model was used to assess the effect of RTA on the proportion of HIV+ persons linked to HIV care within 90 days of a reactive rapid test.


RESULTS
The PPV of the RTA was 100% compared with 86.4% for a single rapid test. The time between testing and receipt of RTA results was on average 8 days shorter than laboratory-based confirmatory testing. For risk groups other than men who had sex with men, the RTA increased the probability of being in care within 90 days compared with standard testing practice.


CONCLUSIONS
The RTA increased the PPV of rapid testing to 100%, giving providers, clients, and HIV counselors timely information about a client's HIV-positive serostatus. Use of RTA could reduce loss to follow-up between testing positive and confirmation and increase the proportion of HIV-infected persons receiving HIV care.
*Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA;†Division of HIV and STD Programs, Department of Public Health, County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA;‡HIV Prevention Section, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA;§HIV Epidemiology Section, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA; and‖Department of Public Health, County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.
Kevin P
KP
Delaney
Jacqueline
J
Rurangirwa
Shelley
S
Facente
Teri
T
Dowling
Mike
M
Janson
Thomas
T
Knoble
Annie
A
Vu
Yunyin W
YW
Hu
Peter R
PR
Kerndt
Jan
J
King
Susan
S
Scheer
D000465:Algorithms; D015153:Blotting, Western; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques / Q000379:methods; D015141:Los Angeles; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D010346:Patient Care Management / Q000379:methods; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D012495:San Francisco; D012698:Serologic Tests; D013997:Time Factors
D015483:HIV Antibodies; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic