Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026
23:56
Comprehensive & Cost Effective Laboratory Monitoring of HIV/AIDS: an African Role Model
Published on: October 31, 2010
17.4K
RAPID HOME-BASED HIV TESTING TO REDUCE COSTS IN A LARGE TUBERCULOSIS COHORT STUDY
Jerome T Galea1, Carmen Contreras2, Leonid Lecca2
1Partners In Health, Boston, USA.
Public Health Action
|January 13, 2015
Summary
Home-based rapid human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing reduced costs and improved efficiency in a large tuberculosis contact study in Peru. This strategy offers a viable alternative for HIV testing in research and clinical settings.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Research
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) contact tracing studies require efficient and cost-effective HIV testing.
- Traditional laboratory-based HIV testing can be resource-intensive and time-consuming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of replacing laboratory-based HIV testing with home-based rapid HIV testing in a TB household contact cohort study.
- To assess the impact of this strategy on cost per participant, refusal rates, and time to confirmatory testing.
Main Methods:
- A protocol and training program were developed for home-based rapid HIV testing using the Determine® HIV 1/2 Ag/Ac Combo test.
- Staff were trained through role-playing exercises for effective home-based deployment.
- The new strategy was implemented in a large TB household contact cohort study in Lima, Peru.
Main Results:
- Home-based rapid HIV testing resulted in a lower overall cost per participant tested compared to laboratory-based testing.
- The refusal rate was reduced with the home-based rapid testing strategy.
- Time to confirmatory HIV testing was shorter using the home-based approach, despite a higher rate of false-positive results.
Conclusions:
- Home-based rapid HIV testing is a cost-effective and efficient strategy for large cohort studies.
- This approach can be successfully implemented in research settings and potentially in routine clinical care for HIV screening.
- Despite challenges with false positives, the benefits in cost reduction and efficiency support the adoption of home-based rapid HIV testing.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
758
Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
758
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
943
Medical management of tuberculosis (TB) patients involves a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The specific strategies can vary depending on the type of tuberculosis (latent or active), the patient's overall health status, and other considerations.
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the...
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the...
943