POCT HIV

UK National Guidelines recommends a fourth generation assay for first line Point of Care (POCT) HIV testing. Weqas established a POCT HIV EQA programme in 2010 to support the diagnosis and health management of HIV testing in a wide range of clinical settings. This programme is unique in that the samples are spiked with both p24 antigen and HIV antibodies 1 & 2. p24 antigens are found on the surface of HIV cells allowing them to be detected in the blood 12 to 26 days after exposure and before HIV antibodies are produced. Weqas programme developed for 4th generation assays, the users ability to identify both Abs an Ag are assessed.

POCT HIV
Samples are prepared with a non-infective source of recombinant HIV markers (p24 Ag, HIV-1 Ab and HIV-2 Ab) to mimic the different clinical presentations. The base material used is ‘off the clot’ human serum which has tested negative for HIV, Hepatitis B and C at donor level. Three samples are distributed bimonthly.

Frequency: Bimonthly

Samples per set: 3 x 0.5mL