HIV-1 Qualitative Whole Blood Test

Early HIV infection during the “window” period may be incorrectly diagnosed by immunoassays as HIV proteins and/or antibodies to the HIV virus are not yet detectable. The SAMBA Qual Whole Blood Tests are NAT tests, allowing earlier detection than even the 4th generation immunoassays. This makes it the ideal choice to aid in early infant diagnosis (EID) or acute infection diagnosis at the point of care.

The majority of molecular tests used for diagnosis of HIV infection in potentially exposed infants are performed in centralised laboratories using dried blood spot (DBS) specimens. Transport of DBS samples from peripheral clinics continues to be a challenge resulting in delays in turnaround time and loss to follow up. Point of care testing is therefore the most efficient and cost effective solution.

The SAMBA HIV-1 Qual Whole Blood test uses a small volume of whole blood, which can be easily obtained from a finger or heel prick, to detect the presence of the HIV-1 RNA and pro-viral DNA.

Test kits contain all reagents and consumables. The SAMBA II test kits also include a collection kit including adjustable lancet, alcohol wipes, powder-free gloves, sample collection tube and sample tracking card.

Why SAMBA HIV-1 Qual Whole Blood Test?
  • Small sample volume for sensitive diagnosis at the point of care
  • Kit storage and instrument operating conditions built for the real world
  • Binary output simplifies clinical decision making
Technical Information
Sensitivity 95% LOD HIV-1 RNA 333cp/ml for SAMBA I, 284cp/ml for SAMBA II; Both also detect integrated pro-viral DNA
Specificity 100% specificity and no cross reactivity with other common blood borne viruses
Storage conditions 2-37°C for real-time storage and 55°C for transport stability
Sample type Finger or heel prick blood; or citrate or EDTA venous blood

 

For further information please contact us.