HIV Testing: Analysis of Relationship Between Antibody and Antigen Reactions in The Laboratory

This report discusses the relationship between antibody and antigen reactions in the laboratory. HIV tests were performed at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital with the help of laboratory assistants. The test were carried out using rapid test kits that require a short period of only fifteen minutes to produce results. IntroductionIt has been well established that about 20-80% of the people indifferent parts of the world who have HIV infection do not know their HIV status. It is therefore important to make use of every opportunity to offer to test people who are unaware of their status. Laboratories can play an important role in managing testing procedures by having clear and detailed test request protocols (e. g. provide relevant clinical information on forms), and by carefully evaluating all HIV test results according to the most up-to-date diagnostic protocols.

Material and methods

• HIV Rapid testing kits
• Alcohol
• Cotton Gauze / Wool
• Sterile Lancets
• Sharps bin or Disinfectant jar for lancets
• Pen for marking or labeling
• Gloves
• Aprons or laboratory coats
• Timer, clock, or wrist watch with minute hand
• Paper towels (for bench coating, cleaning, and hand washing)
• Soap for hand washing
• Leak proof bag for containing or moving labeled biohazard waste for incineration
• Disinfectant e. g. Jik, Chlorox
• Band Aids or plasters
• Positive and Negative controls
• Standard Operating Procedures.

Results

1. A negative control produced a single faint line on the control section of the test kit indicating that the sample was HIV negative.
2. A positive control sample produces double faint lines on both the control section of the test kit and on the positive section of the test kit. This indicated that the blood sample was HIV positive.
3. The unknown sample only showed a single faint line on the control unit of the test kit. Thus an HIV negative result.

Discussion

When the test sample is HIV negative, only a single faint line on the part of the test kit is noted but if the test sample emerges to be positive, double lines must be observed on both the control part and on the positive part of the rapid test kit. Note, any result indicating the samples to be positive or negative without a line observed on the control unit of the test kit is rendered void why bold. This is because there is no evidence to dismiss cases like mechanical faults, manufacturer’s faults and even the expiring date being of significance to the kits’ performance so it is of great importance to make sure that all the testing kits are functioning properly before confirming the samples to be either positive or negative.

Conclusion

For certainty of results, it is advised to perform a series of the same experiment to reduce the effects of operating errors to the results. Use of known control samples, known negative and known positive, will confirm the effectiveness of the test kits and as well increase the confidence to the operator that the attained results are true. In addition, using the SOP would minimize chances of procedural errors.