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Abstract
Effect of extreme temperatures of storage on the performance of a HIV rapid test
By: N. Ha, F. Cadoret, J. Roy, M. Houde
Background:
Rapid tests are getting more and more popular as screening tools for HIV in clinical settings with uncontrolled temperatures, such as clinical labs in developing countries. What is the impact of storing these rapid tests for weeks or months in such conditions?
Methods:
The Adaltis Rapid HIV-1/2 test was stored for 1 to 6 months at 6 different temperatures (4, 10, 22, 30, 37 and 45°C) before being tested with a panel consisiting of 3 HIV-1- positive, 1 HIV-2-positive and 2 negative serum specimens. Results (duplicate) were read by two different readers, based on a scale from 0 to 6.
Results:
No significant change was observed in the mean score of the tests when stored at temperatures ranging from 4 to 37°C for up to 3 months. The mean score of the test kits stored at 45°C decreased by 25% after 6 weeks and one specimen completely lost its signal after 3 months. No false-positive result was observed with the 2 HIV-negative specimens whatever storage condition was used.
Conclusions:
The Adaltis Rapid HIV-1/2 can stand storage at 45°C for up to 6 weeks and 37°C for at least 3 months without losing significant reactivity. This feature makes this test an attractive tool to be used in settings where extreme conditions of temperature are encountered.
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