Performance of an alternative laboratory-based algorithm for diagnosis of HIV infection utilizing a third generation immunoassay, a rapid HIV-1/HIV-2 differentiation test and a DNA or RNA-based nucleic acid amplification test in persons with established HIV-1 infection and blood donors.

Background: The HIV-1 Western blot (WB) and immunofluorescence assay used to confirm HIV infections are less sensitive during seroconversion than immunoassays (IAs) used for screening. An alternative diagnostic algorithm has been proposed to detect early HIV-1 infection and differentiate HIV-1 from HIV-2.

Objectives: We evaluated the performance of an algorithm with a third generation IA that when reactive was followed by a rapid test (Multispot) that differentiates HIV-1 from HIV-2.

Comparative evaluation of Aptima HIV-1 Qualitative RNA assay performance using plasma and serum specimens from persons with established HIV-1 infection.

Background: Blood specimens for HIV testing are frequently collected using serum collection tubes. The Aptima HIV-1 RNA Qualitative test, originally approved for diagnostic use as a supplemental test for use with plasma, is now approved for use with serum, and may be used in new laboratory-based HIV testing algorithms which detect acute and established HIV infections.

Objectives: To compare the sensitivity of Aptima using serum and plasma specimens from persons with established HIV infection.

Evaluation of the performance characteristics of 6 rapid HIV antibody tests.

Background: Since 2002, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved 6 rapid human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) tests for use in the United States. To date, there has been no direct comparison of the performance of all 6 tests.

Methods: Persons known to be HIV-infected and persons who sought HIV testing at 2 clinical sites in Los Angeles, California, were recruited for evaluation of 6 rapid HIV tests with whole blood, oral fluid, serum, and plasma specimens.

Modification of rapid human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody assay protocols for detecting recent HIV seroconversion.

Assay protocols of three rapid human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) assays, OraQuick-1/2, SeroStrip-1/2, and Determine-1/2, were modified to detect recent HIV seroconversion using a higher dilution of serum specimens. Optimal predilution of specimens resulted in negative test results during early periods of seroconversion (about 6 months), when antibody levels were low. A total of 269 seropositive specimens from routine HIV type 1 testing and from commercial sources (low-titer and seroconversion panels) were tested, and results were recorded as negative (score=0) or positive using intensity scores from 0.