The HIV-1 Qual Whole Blood Test is an in vitro nucleic acid amplification-based test (NAT) for the detection of HIV-1 viral RNA and pro-viral DNA and available on both the SAMBA I and SAMBA II platforms.
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.
