[procaare] Controversial rapid screen effective after occupational exposure

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Controversial rapid screen effective after occupational exposure
AEGiS (09.23.02)
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"The Single Use Diagnostic System (SUDS) HIV-1 Test is used to screen rapidly for
antibodies to HIV type I in plasma or serum, with a reported sensitivity of more than
99.9%," explained Cassandra D. Salgado and colleagues working with the University of
Virginia Health System. "We used this test from January 1999 until September 2000, when it
was withdrawn from the market following reports claiming a high rate of false-positive
results," they said.

Despite those negative reports, Salgado and coauthors found the SUDS test to be both
sensitive and specific for finding HIV infection.

The researchers reviewed data from SUDS testing during the 21-month period of use. Results
from 884 SUDS tests were examined, according to the report.

Only 1 false positive result was returned from these 884 SUDS screens, with new samples
from that patient testing negative, study data showed. These results would indicate a
specificity of roughly 99.9% for the SUDS assay.

Data from SUDS tests performed after its suspension produced similar results (Low rate of
false-positive results with use of a rapid HIV test. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2002
Jun;23(6):335-7.

"Use of the SUDS test facilitated rapid and accurate evaluation of source specimens,
obviating unnecessary prophylaxis," Salgado and colleagues concluded.

The corresponding author for this report is Dr. Barry M. Farr, Box 800473 Cobb Hall,
University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.

Key points reported in this study include:

The controversial Single Use Diagnostic System (SUDS) HIV-1 is both rapid and accurate
when used after occupational exposure

The SUDS test was pulled from the market after high false positive rates were reported

However, a review of data collected during its use showed that SUDS screening was highly
sensitive and specific

This article was prepared by AIDS Weekly editors from staff and other reports.

Source: AEGiS (09.23.02) Michael Greer, Senior Medical Writer
http://ww2.aegis.org/pubs/aidswkly/2002/AW020910.html





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