Laboratory Reference Interval For Hemostatic Model Assessment Of Insulin Resistance Index (Homa-Ir) In Abuja Metropolis

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Evaluation of the Sensitivity and Specificity of Rapid Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)1 and 2 Test Kits Commonly Used in Nigeria

The sensitivity and specificity of five rapid HIV antibody test kits commonly used in Nigeria were evaluated. The kits were selected based on their high percentage frequency of use as compared to others. A total of 100 EIA HIV-1and RNA HIV-1 positive sera were used as positive gold standard, while 100 EIA HIV-1 and RNA HIV-1 negative sera were used as negative gold standard. The positive gold standard sera were pooled, serially diluted and analysed to determine the sensitivities of the kits. The methods used were strictly as provided by the manufacturers. Of the 100 positive gold standard serum samples used, Immunocomb-II gave false negative results with 10 (Sensitivity = 90%), while HIV-SAV, Hexagon, Determine and SD-Bioline were false negative with 12 specimens, representing 88% sensitivity for each. On the other hand, of the 100 negative gold standard sera, Immunocomb-II gave 6 false positive results (Specificity = 94%), HIV-SAV 12 (Specificity = 88%), Hexagon 2 (Specificity = 98%), Determine 12 (Specificity = 88%), while SD-Bioline had no false positive result (specificity = 100%). In analytical sensitivity, Immunocomb-II detected the highest serum titre of 30 000, making it the most sensitive. Two of the five test kits (Immunocomb and SD-Bioline) demonstrated excellent analytical sensitivity and specificity respectively. The two could be recommended for use as combination test algorithms instead of EIA/Western Blot algorithm, which is time-consuming, expensive and often not technically feasible in a developing country like ours. This study shows that not all the analytical performance indices cited in the literature from the manufacturers of diagnostic kits are necessarily reproducible in end-user laboratories. Key words: sensitivity, specificity, HIV rapid test kits Journal of Medical Laboratory Science Vol.13(1) 2004: 11 - 1

Assessment of Liver and Renal Functions of Asymptomatic Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV) Seropositive Individuals on Winniecure (Herbal) Therapy

This study was carried out to assess the probable effects of the herbal extract (Winniecure), used in our institute for the treatment of Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV) infection, on liver and renal functions of individuals undergoing therapy. A total of 100 asymptomatic Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV) seropositive volunteers were randomized into two groups - study group Y; and the control group X. The control subjects were placed on a placebo. Their blood samples were collected before and after therapy and assessed for liver and renal functions using specific laboratory tests as indicators. Post-treatment results of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, β-glutamyl transferase, bilirubin, albumin, and globulin were found to be within the reference range and did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) from pretreatment values. Serum electrolytes, creatinine, urea and uric acid were also within the reference range and did not change significantly (p > 0.05) after therapy. A similar outcome was also observed for liver and renal functions of HIV - positive individuals on placebo. The findings suggest that no abnormal effects may occur in the liver and renal functions of HIV-positive individuals on Winniecure herbal therapy. Key words: antiretroviral therapy, Winniecure herbal extract, liver functions Journal of Medical Laboratory Science Vol.12(2) 2003: 36 - 4