Can visual interpretation of NucliSens graphs reduce the need for repeat viral load testing?

ABSTRACT:

Background

In Zimbabwe, viral load (VL) testing for people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy is performed at the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory using a NucliSens machine. Anecdotal evidence has shown that invalid graphs for "Target Not Detectable (TND)" will upon repeat VL testing produce a valid result for virus not detected, therefore removing the need to repeat the test. This needs formal assessment.

Objectives

To determine i) intra- and inter-rater agreement of the visual interpretation of NucliSens graphs (Target Detectable [TD], TND and No Line [NL]) between two laboratory scientists and ii) sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of the NucliSens graphs compared with repeat VL results.

Method

Cross sectional study using secondary data

SUBMITTER: Handireketi N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6867593 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature