False Positive Hiv Test Results

False-Positive HIV Test Results By: Dr. Hugues Fidele Batsielilit, Ph.D False-Positive HIV Test Results is written as a result of the findings and experiences of Dr. Hugues Fidele Batsielilit, Ph.D., during the implementation of infectious diseases programs in several African countries. Sadly, he observed there was consistent denial of existing evidence of false-positive HIV test results within African communities, particularly in areas of underprivileged populations living in remote areas. The writing of this book was further prompted by the disregard for the increasing impact false-positive results have on individuals and communities resulting in an overall failure in the confidence Africans have for battling the soaring negative impacts of HIV. The issue of false-positive HIV test results should not be restricted to only perceptive or conceptual fact and advice for conventional harmless procedures. Rather, it must be presented and focused upon as a persistent and challenging negative issue with need for urgent actions along with diverse approaches to mitigate it and the pervasive impact it has on Africans.

A standardized HIV testing strategy and quality-assured products are critical for accurate diagnosis, while poorly chosen testing algorithms can lead to misdiagnosis. Verification of testing algorithms provides objective evidence, before widespread implementation, that a specific combination of products will accurately diagnose HIV infection, thus reducing the risk of misdiagnosis. The toolkit aims to provide countries with the tools and content needed to effectively conduct a local verification assessment to update national HIV testing algorithms following WHO recommendations on HIV testing strategies. The toolkit consists of (1) a generic assessment protocol that can be adapted and submitted for local ethical clearance; (2) a test selection tool to assist with the selection of WHO prequalified HIV assays based on performance and operational characteristics; (3) a Gantt chart to plan and schedule the different project implementation activities; (4) a general budget required to conduct this assessment; (5) a checklist of test kits, consumables and supplies needed for placing a purchase order and; (6) a database to assist with data analysis.

During the two years since the publication of the first edition of this book, the global spread of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) has continued. HIV was estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1993 to have at least 13 million individuals worldwide, with 1 million infected infected in the United States. HIV/AIDS in the United States has become the leading cause of death among men 25 to 44 years of age and the fifth leading cause of death among women of the same age group. Prevention of HIV infection remains a global challenge. Testing for HIV is the cornerstone for surveillance and prevention programs and for the provision of appropriate medical care for those who are infected. Such testing is equally essential to the search for effective antivirus drugs and vaccines. This second edition of AIDS Testing incorporates the most current thinking on test methodology and interpretation, some of which has changed considerably over the past two years. This edition also has been expanded to include a section consisting of six chapters on test applica tions and a section consisting of four chapters on management issues. This edition, like the first, describes in clear terms all the complex ele ments of testing, including applications, scientific principles, quality assurance, safety, and medical, ethical, and legal considerations.

Given the continuing high level of concern among health professionals and the general public about issues related to AIDS, this volume on testing for AIDS and related viruses is extremely timely. The book has been written by experts in the area of AIDS testing, many of whom are at the Centers for Disease Control. The book includes several chapters which compare the different laboratory tests available for detecting the AIDS virus (HIV). It also addresses such topics as ethical considerations in AIDS testing, HIV infection in children, testing for other human viruses related to HIV, safety practices in HIV-testing laboratories, and managing occupational exposure to HIV. The book is intended for public health officials involved in HIV testing, hospital administrators and clinical laboratory directors responsible for setting up HIV testing programs, and physicians concerned with testing for AIDS.

This book gives a comprehensive overview of HIV and AIDS including NeuroAIDS, as well as general concepts of pathology, immunity and immunopathology, diagnosis, treatment, epidemiology and etiology to current clinical recommendations in management of HIV/AIDS including NeuroAIDS, highlighting the ongoing issues, recent advances and future directions in diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies.

During the early years of the AIDS epidemic, thousands of Americans became infected with HIV through the nation's blood supply. Because little reliable information existed at the time AIDS first began showing up in hemophiliacs and in others who had received transfusions, experts disagreed about whether blood and blood products could transmit the disease. During this period of great uncertainty, decision-making regarding the blood supply became increasingly difficult and fraught with risk. This volume provides a balanced inquiry into the blood safety controversy, which involves private sexual practices, personal tragedy for the victims of HIV/AIDS, and public confidence in America's blood services system. The book focuses on critical decisions as information about the danger to the blood supply emerged. The committee draws conclusions about what was doneâ€"and recommends what should be done to produce better outcomes in the face of future threats to blood safety. The committee frames its analysis around four critical area: Product treatmentâ€"Could effective methods for inactivating HIV in blood have been introduced sooner? Donor screening and referralâ€"including a review of screening to exlude high-risk individuals. Regulations and recall of contaminated bloodâ€"analyzing decisions by federal agencies and the private sector. Risk communicationâ€"examining whether infections could have been averted by better communication of the risks.