Rapid HIV agglutination testing by clinicians

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the usefulness and practicality of clinicians performing rapid whole blood agglutination tests for the detection of HIV antibodies in a busy emergency department. Methods:: Seventy seven patients agreed to participate in the study. Specimens from each were tested separately in the reference laboratory as well as in the Emergency Department. A different clinician performed the rapid test from the one who had collected the specimen. No investigator knew the status of the serum tested. Results:: Seventy of those tested were negative on both series of tests. Seven tested positive on both the rapid and laboratory tests. Conclusion: The rapid testing of blood for HIV antibodies within the emergency department is an essential diagnostic tool which easily and reliably determines the need for specific therapies in acutely ill patients.