A comparative evaluation of various rapid HIV screening kits commonly used in Lagos, Nigeria

Laboratory diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is fundamental for detecting and monitoring the infection. \nWith an aim to evaluate and compare the performance characteristics and ability of test kits of HIV diagnostic' test kits, Capillus HIV-I/HIV-2, Genie HIV-I & 2 and ImmunoComb II HIV - I & 2 Bispot, were subjected to critical analytical parameters as recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). A total of 2,301 serum samples were collected between January 3, 2008 and March 31, 2009 from five different medical facilities located within Lagos City, Lagos State, Nigeria. 74.24% of these samples were seropositive for HIVantibodies while 25.76% were seronegative. \nPercentage sensitivity for the three rapid test kits was 100 while percentage specificity was 100 for Capillus HIV-I/HIV-2 and Genie HIV-I & 2 and 99.49 for ImmunoComb II HIV -1 & 2 Bispot. There were no false negative reactions. \nNegative predictive values (NPV) were 100% for all while positive predictive values (PPV) were 99.8%, 100% and 100%, for ImmunoComb II HIV-I & 2, Capillus HIV-I/HIV-2 and Genie HIV-I & 2 respectively with mean confidence limit of 95.93%. \nBased on the absence of any false positive reactions in this study, it is herein recommended that Capillus HIV-I/HIV-2, Genie HIV-I & 2 to be the first line of test kits while, ImmunoComb II HIV -1 & 2 Bispot should be the last option. Government interventions by way of subsidy and provision of other infrastructures will ease this burden of HIV rapid diagnosis and is herein recommended.