Anti-HIV serological test algorithms to reduce false-positive and inconclusive results for low HIV prevalence and resource-limited areas
3
Issued Date
2022-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
09564624
eISSN
17581052
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85115789083
Pubmed ID
34565235
Journal Title
International Journal of STD and AIDS
Volume
33
Issue
1
Start Page
63
End Page
72
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
International Journal of STD and AIDS Vol.33 No.1 (2022) , 63-72
Suggested Citation
Srichatrapimuk S. Anti-HIV serological test algorithms to reduce false-positive and inconclusive results for low HIV prevalence and resource-limited areas. International Journal of STD and AIDS Vol.33 No.1 (2022) , 63-72. 72. doi:10.1177/09564624211044354 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/87442
Title
Anti-HIV serological test algorithms to reduce false-positive and inconclusive results for low HIV prevalence and resource-limited areas
Author(s)
Author's Affiliation
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
A false-positive anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test result can have devastating consequences. Sequential HIV serological testing is a strategy that could be applied in resource-limited settings to reduce false-positive results when a nucleic acid test is not affordable. We aimed to compare the results of sequential anti-HIV testing algorithms recommended by the national guidelines and our hospital algorithm in the setting of low HIV prevalence. We retrospectively reviewed individuals whose anti-HIV tested positive by Architect HIV Ag/Ab Combo with a signal/cut-off ratio of 1.00–20.00 between January 2015 and June 2016 at a university hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. A total of 111,224 samples were requested for anti-HIV tests during the study period. Sixty-six adults and nine children/adolescents met the inclusion criteria of this study. Compared to the national guidelines, our hospital HIV diagnosis algorithm could identify two individuals with false-positive anti-HIV tests and a reduction of inconclusive diagnoses from 45 to one adult cases (p <.001). It also eliminated inconclusive diagnoses in four non-infected children with HIV-negative mothers. Our hospital HIV diagnosis algorithm can reduce the number of HIV misdiagnoses of serological tests in an area with low HIV prevalence. The sequential HIV serological test algorithms should be reviewed and evaluated in each institute.