Update: HIV Counseling and Testing Using Rapid Tests--United States, 1995

Abstract:
In 1995, 25% of persons testing HIV-positive and 33% of persons testing HIV-negative at publicly funded clinics did not return for their test results. Rapid tests to detect HIV antibody can be performed in an average of 10 minutes, enabling health-care providers to supply definitive negative and preliminary positive results to patients at the time of testing. To quantify the potential advantages and disadvantages of using rapid tests, CDC estimated the potential impact on the number of persons who would learn their HIV test results, using the 1995 client record counseling and testing database. Using the rapid test, during 1995 a total of 697,495 more persons would have learned their HIV status, an increase of 29% for HIV-positive persons and 50% for HIV-negative persons. Of those who would have received an initial reactive result using the rapid test, 18% (8301 individuals) would have received preliminary false-positive results. The report concludes that decisions about whether to use rapid tests should be based on a combination of the prevalence of HIV in a community and return rates for test results. For example, in settings of high prevalence where a low percentage of persons return for their results, use of rapid tests will be most beneficial. However, rapid tests may be less beneficial in settings of low prevalence where return can be ensured. On the basis of these results, the Public Health Service recommends that health-care providers should provide preliminary positive test results before confirmatory results are available in situations where tested persons benefit.

Publication: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)


Date Published: 3/27/1998

Pages: 5

Comments:
Copies of this report will be available until March 27, 1999, from CDC's National AIDS Clearinghouse: (800) 458-5231.

Location Code: 13028