Sensitivity of 8 CE (European Community)-approved rapid disposable tests for anti-HIV antibody detection during and after seroconversion

Abstract

We evaluated the sensitivity for the anti-HIV antibody detection of the 8 rapid disposable tests (RDTs) EC approved in 2008. Methods A panel of 100 native serum samples collected from HIV-1 subtype B or non-B, HIV-1 group O or HIV-2-infected patient and 3 commercial seroconversion panels were tested. 50 sera from HIV-negative patients were included to blind reading and RDT specificity. Results All native samples HIV-1 subtype B were reactive; an HIV-1 non-B subtype gave false-negative results with 3 of the 8 tests. False-negative results on HIV-1 group O samples were observed with one RDT. All the HIV-2 samples were detected. Seroconversion sample reactivity ranged from 60 to 86.7% according to the tests. Conclusion Despite their lower performances relative to ELISA tests during the HIV seroconversion period, RDT may be of interest in case of chronic infection.