Performance of selected HIV testing centers in a HIV Proficiency Testing Scheme in Kenya: a case study

Samuel M Muchiri, Saida Osman, Doris Night, Elizabeth Muia, Peter Kaiguri, James Kimotho, Missiani Ochwoto

Abstract


Background: The Proficiency Testing (PT) for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) using Lateral flow assays provides an avenue for participating institutions/individuals to assess their technical competence in testing for HIV using LFAs that are recommended in the National HIV Testing Algorithm (NHTA) in Kenya. It also provides confidence to the participating institutions and potential users of their services besides giving the institutions an opportunity for improvement.

Objective: To determine the performance of selected HIV testing centers in a HIV PT Scheme in Kenya

Methods: Fifty one participants (51) in Kenya were selected from 7 sites (Kisumu, Mombasa, Kilifi, Nairobi and Malindi) to participate in this PT round. The sites comprised both private sector and institutions that do not participate in the National HIV referral Lab-PT scheme. They were provided with panels containing six samples to analyze using the current NHTA in Kenya. Obtained results were sent to our laboratory electronically.

Results: Eighty nine percent (89.0%) of the panels were correctly identified by the participants as positive or negative. Of the 11.0% errors, 74.2% were committed in one or more test result obtained while 12.9% committed in failure to follow NHTA. Two minor errors repeated by participants were; failure to record the final results in spite of obtaining correct tests and correct reactive results with the first and second test kits but in conclusion the participant recorded negative (12.9%). Root cause analysis revealed that the error committed by participants were as a result of failure to observe the kit manufactures’ instructions and NHTA guidelines.

Conclusion: The results of this PT Scheme enhance the need for constant training of personnel conducting HIV testing and Counseling in Kenya on proper techniques of carrying out HIV testing using Lateral flow assays in the NHTA.

Key words: HIV, Proficiency Testing, errors, false negative, false positive.


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