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Rapid HIV Antibody Testing

Guidelines for Appropriate Evaluations of HIV Testing Technologies in Africa

This report is a guide for developing country-specific protocols for conducting evaluations of HIV enzyme immunoassay and rapid/simple test methods in Africa. It includes the background of each test, the importance of rapid/simple assays, the rationale and justification for evaluating new tests, the importance of quality assurance and safety, issues to be considered when planning an evaluation, projected time line for an evaluation, and technical training requirements.

False-Positive Oral Fluid Rapid HIV Tests – New York City, 2005-2008

This report discusses the problem of the increase in the number of false-positive oral fluid reactive rapid tests in New York City. In January 2004, the city introduced on-site rapid HIV testing in STD clinics. This was replaced by oral fluid testing with the OraQuick Advance Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test. In late 2005, an increase in the number of false-positive oral fluid tests occurred, but the increase subsided after several months.