Rapid HIV test kits

Conventional testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)--the causative agent for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)--is an efficient way to screen large numbers of samples at one time. But initial results are often not available for hours or days; moreover, results are typically not released until confirmed, which can be weeks later. Consequently, conventional testing doesn't always provide information on HIV status quickly enough to be clinically useful. This limitation has led to the development of rapid HIV test kits, which can provide results in 20 minutes or less. Rapid HIV tests can be used for testing pregnant women in labor whose HIV status is unknown (to reduce vertical transmission from mother to fetus or infant) and for testing source individuals after occupational exposures (to help with drug treatment decisions). Additionally, the use of rapid test kits for screening high-risk individuals (especially those who may not return for results) is expected to increase the number of individuals who know their HIV status. This Evaluation looks at three rapid HIV tests currently available in the United States: the MedMira Labs Reveal G2 Rapid HIV-1 Antibody Test Kit, the OraSure Technologies OraQuick Advance Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test, and the Trinity Biotech Uni-Gold Recombigen HIV. We rate the kits separately for laboratory use and for point-of-care testing (POCT). For laboratory applications, efficiency and suitability for the lab's workflow are the key selection factors. For POCT, ease of use is paramount. A different product was our top choice for each of these applications.