title: Spectrum of false positivity for the fourth generation human immunodeficiency virus diagnostic tests.
abstract: Novel fourth generation screening and confirmatory human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) assays are now commercially available and incorporated into new diagnostic algorithms. We report two cases involving a total of three patients which highlight the spectrum of false positivity for both the Abbott Architect p24 antigen/antibody assay and the confirmatory Multispot antibody differentiation test. We then discuss the mechanisms for false positivity and the associated clinical conditions or laboratory scenarios that may predispose to inaccurate interpretation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia, 1215 Lee Street, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, 345 Crispell Drive, Carter Harrison Building, Room 1523, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA.
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.affiliation: University of Virginia School of Medicine, 1215 Lee Street, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA.
authors.forename: Nathan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Shaw
authors.affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, 345 Crispell Drive, Carter Harrison Building, Room 1523, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA.
authors.forename: Scott
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Heysell
mesh_terms: D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis / Q000592:standards; D000328:Adult; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
keywords: False positive; Fourth generation assays; HIV