External Quality Assessment Programme for Early Infant Diagnosis of HIV-1, Mozambique, 2011-2014.

Nalia Ismael,Fernanda Miambo,Adolfo Vubil,Orvalho Augusto,Patrina Chongo,Sofia O Viegas,Nédio Mabunda

doi:10.4102/ajlm.v7i1.664

Abstract

This study evaluated a National External Quality Scheme Program for early infant diagnosis of HIV. Fourteen laboratory technicians participated and nine testing panel cycles were sent between 2011 and 2014. The response rate was 100% for the first eight panels, and the number of technicians with a test score of 100% increased during the first three panels. Based on the evaluations of the technicians, the quality of testing for early infant diagnosis of HIV improved over time in the laboratories.

Highlights

Infant diagnosis (EID) of HIV infection assures early access to antiretroviral therapy for infected children, which significantly improves survival rates and provides substantial benefits.[1,2] The antibody-specific methods, such as enzyme immunological assays used to diagnose HIV infection in adults, are not recommended for infant diagnosis, due to the passive transfer of antibodies by the mother to the baby in the uterus until the age of 18 months
Dried blood spot testing has simplified HIV screening in newborns, because samples are easy to collect often via heel prick or finger stick and no cold chain transportation system is required as dried blood spot (DBS) samples are stable at room temperature. 5,6,7,8,9,10,11
We report the successful implementation of the HIV-1 Early infant diagnosis (EID) external quality assurance (EQA) Program in Mozambique during the period of 2011 to 2014

Summary

Introduction

Infant diagnosis (EID) of HIV infection assures early access to antiretroviral therapy for infected children, which significantly improves survival rates and provides substantial benefits.[1,2] The antibody-specific methods, such as enzyme immunological assays used to diagnose HIV infection in adults, are not recommended for infant diagnosis, due to the passive transfer of antibodies by the mother to the baby in the uterus until the age of 18 months. Nucleic acid tests such as HIV RNA and DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays are recommended to diagnose HIV in newborns.[3,4]. Incorrect results may lead to wrong clinical follow-up and a delay in treatment initiation.[19,20] To ensure the accuracy and reliability of laboratory test results, participation in an EQA programme is crucial.[21]

Methods

Results

Conclusion