HIV-1 diagnosis using dried blood spots from patients in Kinshasa, DRC: a tool to detect misdiagnosis and achieve World Health Organization 2030 targets

IntroductionCurrently, only 54% of the population Democratic Republic Congo (DRC) know their HIV status. The aim this study was to detect misdiagnosis from rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and evaluate serological immunoassays using dried blood spots (DBS) patients in Kinshasa, DRC.MethodsBetween 2016 2018, 365 DBS samples were collected 363 individuals shipped Spain. people with a new positive (n = 123) or indeterminate 23) result, known HIV-positive 157), negative control group 62). serology performed Elecsys combi PT (Roche), VIDAS Duo Quick (BioMérieux), Geenius (Bio-Rad). In addition, RNA detection all COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS Taqman HIV-1 Test 2.0 (Roche).ResultsOverall, 272 found be 93 for serology. sensitivity 100% both techniques, but specificity slightly higher test: (96.1–100%) vs 98.9% (94.1–99.9%). Of 23 cases RDT, three true-positives detectable viral load. Eleven out 280 classified as by RDT corresponded nine who had received false diagnosis through (3.9%); six them been on antiretroviral therapy at least 2 years.ConclusionsElecsys showed high when DBS. RDT-based can lead personal social consequences sub-Saharan Africa.