Rapid testing for HIV antibody: a technology whose time has come

Article Abstract:

The use of rapid HIV tests may improve the notification, counseling, and treatment process for tested patients. The rapid test takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete compared to at least 24 hours for the standard test. One study has shown that this rapid test is highly accurate with no false negative test results and nearly no false positive results. Patients with a positive test result would need to return for a confirmed standard test result. Doctors could counsel patients with a preliminary positive test result immediately since as many as 40% of patients do not return for results or counseling.

Editorial

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A decision analysis of mandatory compared with voluntary HIV testing in pregnant women

Article Abstract:

Voluntary HIV testing for pregnant women is probably preferable to mandatory testing. Researchers used decision analysis to evaluate the benefits and risks of mandatory and voluntary testing under different conditions. Many women would refuse prenatal care under a policy of mandatory testing. If only 0.5% of women declined prenatal care under this scenario, more infants would die from lack of prenatal care than would be saved from HIV infection. The best policy appears to be an educational campaign to encourage pregnant women to be tested voluntarily.

Testing, Pregnant women, Pregnancy, HIV infection in pregnancy

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Performance characteristics of a rapid HIV antibody assay in a hospital with a high prevalence of HIV infection

Article Abstract:

Rapid HIV tests appear to be accurate. Their use may encourage identified patients to modify their behavior patterns and seek appropriate treatment earlier. Eight hundred thirty-seven hospital patients were tested with both a rapid and standard HIV test. The rapid tests correctly identified all of the patients found positive with the standard test (5.4%) and nearly all (99.1%) of those found to be HIV-negative. The rapid test also performed well among specifically targeted patient subgroups.

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