Sensitivity and Specificity of Saliva Test for HIV Antibody

Abstract

Objective  to determine sensitivity and specificity of saliva test compares to serum to detect antibody for HIV

Methodology: Total of saliva and serum specimens were collected. 1 ,955 specimens among the study population; intravenous drug users, female prostitutes, and male sexually transmitted diseases (STD). The study sites were STD clinics purposiverly selected from 4 provinces. All blood specimens were tested at each site by using ELISA test and confirmed by Western Blot. in addition, saliva specimens were collected by using Omni-sal device and tested by GACELISA test. The results of the serum and saliva tests were analised and compared.

Since the study was a multicenter study, we need quality control assurance.

Results: each site had the same standard for laboratory after quality assurance had been applied. The sensitivity of saliva test was 98% (292/298) and specificity was 99.4% (1643/1653).

Discussion: this study is the first step to determine the alternative screening test beside serum, which still need more further study to the question should we use saliva test instead of serum in some high risk groups. (115)