Evaluation of current rapid HIV test algorithms in Rakai, Uganda

Abstract
Rapid HIV tests are a crucial component of HIV diagnosis in resource limited settings. In Uganda, the Ministry of Health allows for both serial and parallel HIV rapid testing using Determine, Stat- Pak and Uni-Gold. In serial testing, a non-reactive result on Determine ends testing. The performance of serial and parallel algorithms with Determine and Stat-Pak test kits was assessed. A cross-sectional diagnostic test accuracy evaluation using three rapid HIV test kits as per the recommended parallel test algorithm was followed by EIA-WB testing with estimates of the performance of serial testing algorithm. In 2520 participants tested by parallel rapid algorithms, 0.6% had weakly reactive result. Parallel testing had 99.7% sensitivity and 99.8% specificity. If Stat-Pak was used as the first screening test for a serial algorithm, the sensitivity was 99.6% and specificity 99.7%. However, if Determine was used as the screening test, sensitivity was 97.3% and specificity 99.9%. Serial testing with Stat-Pak as the initial screening test performed as well as parallel testing, but Determine was a less sensitive screen. Serial testing could be cost saving.
Description
Keywords
HIV test algorithms, Rakai, Uganda
Citation
Galiwango, R. M., Musoke, R., Lubyayi, L., Ssekubugu, R., Kalibbala, S., Ssekweyama, V., ... & Kigozi, G. (2013). Evaluation of current rapid HIV test algorithms in Rakai, Uganda. Journal of virological methods, 192(1-2), 25-27. doi:10.1016/j.jviromet.2013.04.003.