ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Accurate HIV diagnosis is essential for appropriate patient care. Rapid tests (RTs) are considered key to HIV screening and management. Some studies have found RTs to be comparable with the ELISA test whilst others have reported lower sensitivity. AIM AND STUDY DESIGN: The aim of this retrospective, descriptive study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the HIV 1/2/O Tri-line rapid test (HIV-TRT) device compared with ELISA. METHOD: The study sample comprised 45 records of patients who tested for HIV using the HIV-TRT device and ELISA. RESULTS: As compared with ELISA as the 100% gold standard, the sensitivity of the HIV-TRT was 80% (CI: 59%-93%) and specificity was 100% (CI: 83%-100%). ROC area of 0.9 at 95% CI was determined. CONCLUSION: The low sensitivity of HIV-TRT is a concern, since HIV screening in South Africa makes use of RTs.
