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Hunt JH, Mwinnyaa G, Patel EU, Grabowski MK, Kagaayi J, Gray RH, Ssekasanvu J, Wawer MJ, Kigozi G, Chang LW, Kalibbala S, Nakalanzi M, Ndyanabo A, Quinn TC, Serwadda D, Reynolds SJ, Galiwango RM, Laeyendecker O. Longitudinal patterns in indeterminate HIV rapid antibody test results: a population-based, prospective cohort study. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0325323. [PMID: 38189332 PMCID: PMC10845946 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03253-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Rapid HIV tests are critical to HIV surveillance and universal testing and treatment programs. We assessed longitudinal patterns in indeterminate HIV rapid test results in an African population-based cohort. Prospective HIV rapid antibody test results, defined by two parallel rapid tests, among participants aged 15-49 years from three survey rounds of the Rakai Community Cohort Study, Uganda, from 2013 to 2018, were assessed. An indeterminate result was defined as any weak positive result or when one test was negative and the other was positive. A total of 31,405 participants contributed 54,459 person-visits, with 15,713 participants contributing multiple visits and 7,351 participants contributing 3 visits. The prevalence of indeterminate results was 2.7% (1,490/54,469). Of the participants with multiple visits who initially tested indeterminate (n = 591), 40.4% were negative, 18.6% were positive, and 41.0% were indeterminate at the subsequent visit. Of the participants with two consecutive indeterminate results who had a third visit (n = 67), 20.9% were negative, 9.0% were positive, and 70.2% remained indeterminate. Compared to a prior negative result, a prior indeterminate result was strongly associated with a subsequent indeterminate result [adjusted prevalence ratio, 23.0 (95% CI = 20.0-26.5)]. Compared to men, women were more likely to test indeterminate than negative [adjusted odds ratio, 2.3 (95% CI = 2.0-2.6)]. Indeterminate rapid HIV test results are highly correlated within an individual and 0.6% of the population persistently tested indeterminate over the study period. A substantial fraction of people with an indeterminate result subsequently tested HIV positive at the next visit, underscoring the importance of follow-up HIV testing protocols.IMPORTANCERapid HIV tests are a critical tool for expanding HIV testing and treatment to end the HIV epidemic. The interpretation and management of indeterminate rapid HIV test results pose a unique challenge for connecting all people living with HIV to the necessary care and treatment. Indeterminate rapid HIV test results are characterized by any weak positive result or discordant results (when one test is negative and the other is positive). We systematically tested all participants of a Ugandan population-based, longitudinal cohort study regardless of prior test results or HIV status to quantify longitudinal patterns in rapid HIV test results. We found that a substantial fraction (>15%) of participants with indeterminate rapid test results subsequently tested positive upon follow-up testing at the next visit. Our findings demonstrate the importance of follow-up HIV testing protocols for indeterminate rapid HIV test results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne H. Hunt
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - George Mwinnyaa
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Eshan U. Patel
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - M. Kate Grabowski
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda
| | | | - Ronald H. Gray
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Maria J. Wawer
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Larry W. Chang
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - Thomas C. Quinn
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David Serwadda
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda
- Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Steven J. Reynolds
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda
| | | | - Oliver Laeyendecker
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Beckmann N, Skovdal M, Maswera R, Nyamukapa C, Gregson S. Rituals of care: Strategies adopted by HIV testers to avoid misdiagnosis in rapid HIV testing in Zimbabwe. Glob Public Health 2022; 17:4169-4182. [PMID: 36288538 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2022.2110920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A growing number of studies highlight high levels of misdiagnosis in the scale-up of HIV rapid testing programmes, which often remain invisible to individual testers. Drawing on interviews with HIV testers and observations in four health facilities in Zimbabwe, we show that testers navigated the translation of the standardised, dis-embodied norms of laboratory-based testing into the body work of point-of-care testing through ritualisation of laboratory-practices in their daily clinical work. Yet, this was interrupted through the challenging work conditions the testers face. They ritualised careful procedures, forcing themselves to focus even if queues were long, and making quality assurance procedures part of their daily routine. They actively tried to reduce their workloads and double-checked and discussed unexpected results, especially when a test result did not match their evaluation of clients' circumstances or clinical status. This helped not only to increase confidence in the authenticity of their diagnosis, but also to share responsibility for potential errors. Existing approaches to tackle the problem of misdiagnosis through quality assurance (QA) procedures mainly focus on adjusting individual testers' performance and ensuring that basic testing resources were present, thus falling short of creating a work environment that is conducive to high quality testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Beckmann
- School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Roehampton, London, UK
| | - Morten Skovdal
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rufurwokuda Maswera
- Manicaland Centre for Public Health Research, Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Constance Nyamukapa
- Manicaland Centre for Public Health Research, Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Simon Gregson
- Manicaland Centre for Public Health Research, Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Use of Point-of-Care Nucleic Acid Tests Beyond Early Infant Diagnosis of HIV: A Retrospective Case Review in Lesotho. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 84 Suppl 1:S78-S83. [PMID: 32520919 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for HIV antibodies remain the primary method of diagnosis of HIV in individuals over age 18 months in Lesotho. Although antibody tests have high sensitivity and specificity, up to 2.3% of serial two-test algorithms can have discrepant results between RDTs. In the case of inconclusive RDT results, Lesotho guidelines at the time of this study recommended either repeat testing with the same RDT algorithm after 14 days or immediately collect a blood sample to be sent for laboratory-based polymerase chain reaction testing. Point-of-care qualitative nucleic acid tests (POC qual NAT) may have benefits in rapidly resolving these inconclusive results, particularly when compared with repeating RDTs later or conventional polymerase chain reaction testing at the National Reference Laboratory. SETTING Hospitals and clinics at 29 locations throughout Lesotho that had access to point-of-care nucleic acid testing. METHODS Retrospective case review. RESULTS We identified 100 testing records where POC qual NAT was used to resolve inconclusive RDTs per Lesotho guidelines. Eighty-nine percent of patients received their results in a median of one day from their inconclusive RDT result (interquartile range 0-7 days). Sixty-eight patients (68%) were determined to be HIV positive based on POC nucleic acid tests (NATs), of which 54 (79%) were started on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Median time from inconclusive RDT result to initiation of ART therapy was 2 days (interquartile range 0-14 days). Three patients in this review were pregnant at the time of testing; one was HIV positive by POC qual NAT and was started on ART therapy the same day. CONCLUSION As the availability of POC qual NAT platforms increases, they may serve as feasible options for rapid resolution of inconclusive results and initiation of ART, particularly in populations with high risk of imminent transmission.
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Skovdal M, Beckmann N, Maswera R, Nyamukapa C, Gregson S. Uncertainties, work conditions and testing biases: Potential pathways to misdiagnosis in point-of-care rapid HIV testing in Zimbabwe. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237239. [PMID: 32790692 PMCID: PMC7425930 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Disconcerting levels of misdiagnosis are common in point-of-care rapid HIV testing programmes in sub-Saharan Africa. To investigate potential pathways to misdiagnosis, we interviewed 28 HIV testers in Zimbabwe and conducted weeklong observations at four testing facilities. Approaching adherence to national HIV testing algorithms as a social and scripted practice, dependent on the integration of certain competences, materials and meanings, our thematic analysis revealed three underlying causes of misdiagnosis: One, a lack of confidence in using certain test-kits, coupled with changes in testing algorithms and inadequate training, fed uncertainties with some testing practices. Two, difficult work conditions, including high workloads and resource-depleted facilities, compounded these uncertainties, and meant testers got distracted or resorted to testing short-cuts. Three, power struggles between HIV testers, and specific client-tester encounters created social interactions that challenged the testing process. We conclude that these contexts contribute to deviances from official and recommended testing procedures, as well as testing and interpretation biases, which may explain cases of misdiagnoses. We caution against user-error explanations to misdiagnosis in the absence of a broader recognition of how broader structural determinants affect HIV testing practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Skovdal
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nadine Beckmann
- Centre for Research in Evolutionary, Social and Inter-Disciplinary Anthropology, University of Roehampton, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rufurwokuda Maswera
- Manicaland Centre for Public Health Research, Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Constance Nyamukapa
- Manicaland Centre for Public Health Research, Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Gregson
- Manicaland Centre for Public Health Research, Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Downie J, Mactier H, Bland RM. Should pregnant women with unknown HIV status be offered rapid HIV testing in labour? Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2016; 101:F79-84. [PMID: 26668051 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2014-307226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Downie
- Department of General Paediatrics, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, UK
| | - Helen Mactier
- Princess Royal Maternity Neonatal Unit, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, UK
| | - Ruth M Bland
- Department of General Paediatrics, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, UK Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Somkhele, South Africa Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, UK
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Abstract
New approaches to expanding HIV testing and effective treatment and the wider availability of rapid testing technology have created new opportunities for achieving national and global HIV testing goals. In spite of HIV testing expansion in many settings, growing evidence of the prevention benefits of HIV testing, and the development of new, cost-effective approaches to HIV testing service provision, formidable obstacles to HIV testing expansion persist. Inequitable testing coverage exists within and across countries. While the proportion of people with HIV aware of their status is about 80% in the U.S., the majority of HIV-infected persons in Africa are unaware of their status. Testing of most-at-risk populations, couples, children, and adolescents pose still unresolved policy and programmatic challenges. Future directions for HIV testing include rapid testing technology and detection of acute HIV infection, self-testing expansion, and partner notification. Expanded routine HIV screening and widespread testing is a public health imperative to reach national and international HIV prevention and treatment goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Cherutich
- National AIDS/STI Control Program, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya.
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Kania D, Bekalé A, Nagot N, Mondain AM, Ottomani L, Meda N, Traoré M, Ouédraogo J, Ducos J, Van de Perre P, Tuaillon E. Combining rapid diagnostic tests and dried blood spot assays for point-of-care testing of human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Clin Microbiol Infect 2013; 19:E533-41. [DOI: 10.1111/1469-0691.12292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Revised: 05/20/2013] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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