Analysis of inter-laboratory comparison results of AIDS screening tests in Beijing, 2013-2018

Abstract

Objective \nTo understand the differences of inter-laboratory comparison results of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) screening tests in Beijing and to evaluate the testing quality in AIDS screening laboratories. \n \n \nMethods \nRandomized blind samples of HIV antibody with different titers were prepared and distributed to each AIDS screening laboratory in Beijing. Screening tests of AIDS were performed according to National Guideline for Detection of HIV/AIDS and the manuals of test kits. The data were summarized and analyzed by SPSS 19.0 software. \n \n \nResults \nFrom 2013 to 2018, 100.0% of the AIDS screening laboratories participated in the inter-laboratory comparisons. The overall qualified rates were 98.8%-100.0%. Most of the laboratories provided accurate testing results with complete and standardized original records, quality control charts and retesting sheets. Errors in calculation of cut-off values and in drawing quality control charts were also found in some laboratories. \n \n \nConclusions \nThe test results of AIDS screening laboratories in Beijing were generally accurate and reliable. However, there were still some problems in some laboratories, indicating that the daily quality management and technical handover of personnel replacement in laboratories were not in place. This also suggested that laboratory supervision management and technical training should be strengthened. \n \n \nKey words: \nHuman immunodeficiency virus;\xa0Screening laboratory;\xa0Inter-laboratory comparison