AIDSWEEKLY Plus; September 23, 2002
Michael Greer, Senior Medical Writer

"The Single Use Diagnostic System (SUDS) HIV-1 Test is used to screen rapidly for antibodies to HIV type I in plasma or serum, with a reported sensitivity of more than 99.9%," explained Cassandra D. Salgado and colleagues working with the University of Virginia Health System. "We used this test from January 1999 until September 2000, when it was withdrawn from the market following reports claiming a high rate of false-positive results," they said.

Despite those negative reports, Salgado and coauthors found the SUDS test to be both sensitive and specific for finding HIV infection.

The researchers reviewed data from SUDS testing during the 21-month period of use. Results from 884 SUDS tests were examined, according to the report.

Only 1 false positive result was returned from these 884 SUDS screens, with new samples from that patient testing negative, study data showed. These results would indicate a specificity of roughly 99.9% for the SUDS assay.

Data from SUDS tests performed after its suspension produced similar results (Low rate of false-positive results with use of a rapid HIV test. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2002 Jun;23(6):335-7.

"Use of the SUDS test facilitated rapid and accurate evaluation of source specimens, obviating unnecessary prophylaxis," Salgado and colleagues concluded.

The corresponding author for this report is Dr. Barry M. Farr, Box 800473 Cobb Hall, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.

Key points reported in this study include:

• The controversial Single Use Diagnostic System (SUDS) HIV-1 is both rapid and accurate when used after occupational exposure
  


• The SUDS test was pulled from the market after high false positive rates were reported
  


• However, a review of data collected during its use showed that SUDS screening was highly sensitive and specific
  

This article was prepared by AIDS Weekly editors from staff and other reports.

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