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Journal Article > Review

Causes of false-positive HIV rapid diagnostic test results

Klarkowiski D, O'Brien DP, Shanks L, Singh KR
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Abstract
HIV rapid diagnostic tests have enabled widespread implementation of HIV programs in resource-limited settings. If the tests used in the diagnostic algorithm are susceptible to the same cause for false positivity, a false-positive diagnosis may result in devastating consequences. In resource-limited settings, the lack of routine confirmatory testing, compounded by incorrect interpretation of weak positive test lines and use of tie-breaker algorithms, can leave a false-positive diagnosis undetected. We propose that heightened CD5+ and early B-lymphocyte response polyclonal cross-reactivity are a major cause of HIV false positivity in certain settings; thus, test performance may vary significantly in different geographical areas and populations. There is an urgent need for policy makers to recognize that HIV rapid diagnostic tests are screening tests and mandate confirmatory testing before reporting an HIV-positive result. In addition, weak positive results should not be recognized as valid except in the screening of blood donors.
Countries
none
Subject Area
diagnosticsHIV/AIDS
DOI
10.1586/14787210.2014.866516
Published Date
01-Jan-2014
PubMed ID
24404993
Languages
English
Journal
Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy
Volume / Issue / Pages
Volume 12, Issue 1
Issue Date
05-Dec-2013
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