Analysis of the characteristics of patients with false-positive HIV screening assay results

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with false-positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening test results and provide a theoretical basis to interpret the results of HIV screening tests. MethodsThis retrospective study evaluated the incidence of false-positive results for HIV screening tests and characterized false-positive reactions during HIV screening in a large-scale study at Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University. ResultsFalse-positive HIV test results occurred for 264 of 275,263 (0.10%) serum samples. Although the incidence of a false-positive HIV screening result did not differ between male and female patients (screening χ2 = 1.194; P = 0.275), it increased with age (χ2 = 25.759; P < 0.01). False-positive reactions were associated with 16 disease categories, including 101 diseases, some of which have never been reported previously to be associated with false-positive HIV screening results. ConclusionsThe occurrence of false-positive HIV screening test results may indicate underlying serious disorders. Characterization of patients with false-positive HIV screening test results can help identify potential diseases unrelated to HIV.