Rapid Tests for HIV Antibody

Rapid HIV tests are widely used in resource-poor settings, especially in developing countries. The need for immediate HIV test results to make treatment decisions and to assist with prevention strategies portends their increased use in developed countries as well. Available data on the characteristics and performance of individual test devices are summarized from peer-reviewed journals and conference abstracts. Data from test manufacturers were not included unless corroborated by independent evaluations. Rapid HIV tests demonstrate sensitivities and specificities comparable to those of enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISAs) currently used for screening. Algorithms comprised of a combination of two or more rapid tests produce HIV test results with predictive values comparable to those of the ELISA-Western blot combination. Rapid HIV tests offer additional advantages of low cost and same-day results and are likely to gain increasing acceptance for HIV screening and diagnosis in both developed and developing countries.