Evaluation of 9 rapid diagnostic tests for screening HIV infection, in Lomé, Togo.

PURPOSE: HIV rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) could be greatly contributive for a universal access to HIV diagnosis. However, according to the WHO, these tests need to be assessed before they can be used in routine.

METHOD AND RESULTS: We assessed 9 RDT in routine clinical use between 2009 and 2013. The sensitivity and specificity observed for 7 tests were≥99% and≥98%, respectively: FIRST RESPONSE HIV1-2-O PMC Medical, India, GENIE Fast HIV 1-2 and GENIE™ III HIV(1/2) Bio-Rad, France, HIV TRI-DOT+Ag;J. Mitra, INDIA; SD BIOLINE HIV(1/2) 3.0 and SD BIOLINE HIV/SYPHILIS DUO Standard Diagnostic, Korea; and VIKIA HIV(1/2); BioMérieux, France. Two tests had performances inferior to WHO recommendations: INSTI HIV1/2 Biolytical Canada; sensitivity=97.8% and HEXAGON HIV HUMAN GmbH Germany; specificity=94.8%.

CONCLUSION: Seven of 9 RDT had excellent performances. Nevertheless, they can be used only after training staff, and taking into account national algorithm for their safe use.