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Identification of nonanalytic issues in HIV-1 antibody testing using blind proficiency testing
K M Peddecord1, A S Benenson, L K Hofherr
1College of Health and Human Services, San Diego State University, CA 92182.
Summary
Blind proficiency testing revealed significant variability in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) antibody testing turnaround times and costs. Reports often contained extraneous information, highlighting the need for comprehensive performance monitoring beyond just analytic accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Clinical diagnostics
- Public health surveillance
Background:
- Nonanalytic performance indicators are crucial for evaluating the total testing process.
- Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) antibody testing accuracy is vital for patient management and public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess nonanalytic performance indicators in HIV-1 antibody testing using blind proficiency testing.
- To identify variations in turnaround time, laboratory charges, and report content.
Main Methods:
- Blind proficiency testing involving simulated patient specimens submitted to 32 laboratories in Southern California over five surveys.
- Analysis of turnaround times, laboratory charges, and the content of screening and supplemental test reports.
Main Results:
- Turnaround times for reactive specimens ranged from 3 to 17 days.
- Laboratory charges varied widely ($11.75 to $114.50), with a median of $31.00 for screening plus supplemental tests.
- Extraneous information was present in 37% of screening reports and 71% of supplemental reports.
Conclusions:
- The study underscores the need to monitor multiple outcomes of the total laboratory testing process, not solely the analytic phase.
- Variability in turnaround time, cost, and report quality necessitates standardized performance metrics for HIV-1 antibody testing.
