Evaluation of the virtues and pitfalls in an HIV screening algorithm based on two fourth generation assays - A step towards an improved national algorithm.

Background: Fourth-generation immunoassays used for HIV screening, simultaneously detect anti-HIV antibodies and HIV-1 P24 antigen, but are prone to false-positive results. Usually, they are followed by highly specific third-generation assay, able to differentiate between HIV-1/2 infections. In Israel, screening algorithm is based on consecutive testing by two fourth-generation assays and confirmation by a third-generation test.

Comparison between Roche and Xpert in HIV-1 RNA quantitation: A high concordance between the two techniques except for a CRF02_AG subtype variant with high viral load titters detected by Roche but undetected by Xpert.

Background: HIV-1 viral load (VL) testing is important to predict viral progression and to monitor the response to antiretroviral therapy. New HIV-1 VL tests are continuously introduced to the market. Their performance is usually compared to Abbott and/or Roche HIV-1 VL assays, as reference.

Evaluation of a benchtop HIV ultradeep pyrosequencing drug resistance assay in the clinical laboratory.

Detection of low-abundance drug resistance mutations (DRMs) of HIV-1 is an evolving approach in clinical practice. Ultradeep pyrosequencing has shown to be effective in detecting such mutations. The lack of a standardized commercially based assay limits the wide use of this method in clinical settings.