Hanson M, Polesky HF; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1989 Jun 4-9; 5: 924 (abstract no. E.730).
Memorial Blood Center of Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
OBJECTIVE: To document the high quality of anti-HIV testing performed by laboratories participating in external proficiency testing programs. METHODS: The College of American Pathologists and the American Association of Blood Banks jointly sponsor a proficiency testing program for laboratories testing for antibody to human immunodeficiency virus (anti-HIV). Panels of 5 samples each are mailed quarterly to approximately 1000 subscribers. Participants are provided with a report summarizing results by test method and reagent manufacturer. RESULTS: Over the past 3 years greater than 98% of laboratories reporting ELISA screening methods have correctly identified anti-HIV reactive samples. Reports from laboratories using Western blot confirmation methods also show greater than 95% agreement on reactive samples. Non-reactive samples were correctly identified by greater than 99% of laboratories reporting confirmatory testing while those using only ELISA screening tests were more likely to report false positive results. Some variability in sensitivity and/or specificity of both ELISA and Western blot test reagents can be documented. CONCLUSION: Laboratories participating in external proficiency testing programs maintain a high level of performance. These programs are useful in monitoring lab performance and allow comparison with others using similar methods and reagents.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Blood Banks
- Blotting, Western
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Humans
- Laboratories
- Quality Control
- Sensitivity and Specificity
- methods
Other ID:
UI: 102180862
From Meeting Abstracts