Protocol for testing of the DPS and DBS on the Xpert VL assay.

<p>Schematic of the use of dried viral spots (DVS) for quality management of the GeneXpert instrument with the Xpert HIV-1 VL assay.</p

Scatter plots showing comparison of log VL values for Taqman v2, Abbott HIV-1 RT and Xpert VL assay.

<p>(A) Xpert HIV-1 (green) compared to Taqman v2 (blue) and Abbott HIV-1 RT (red) on plasma specimens. The vertical axis represents the log VL and the horizontal axis represents the sample number sorted by the Taqman v2 assay; B) Xpert HIV-1 plasma (blue) compared to Xpert HIV-1 whole blood (red) and Xpert HIV-1 DBS (green). The vertical axis respresents the log VL and the horizontal axis is sample number sorted by Xpert HIV-1 plasma VL values. The red dotted line in both plots highlights the 1000cp/ml clinical threshold.</p

Bland-Altman and Passing and Bablok regression scatter plots.

<p>Xpert HIV-1 VL versus (A) Taqman v2 (n = 53) and (B) Abbott HIV-1 RT (n = 45); (1) Bland Altman difference plots show the mean bias (solid line) and confidence intervals (dashed line); (2) Passing and Bablok regression analysis show the regression line (solid) with confidence intervals (dashed). Legends highlight the bias and regression equation.</p

Clinical misclassification of the Xpert VL assay tested on plasma, whole blood and DBS specimens.

<p>Clinical misclassification of the Xpert VL assay tested on plasma, whole blood and DBS specimens.</p

Method comparison for the evaluation of Xpert VL compared to Taqman v2 and Abbott HIV-1 RT on the frozen SAVQA panel.

<p>Method comparison for the evaluation of Xpert VL compared to Taqman v2 and Abbott HIV-1 RT on the frozen SAVQA panel.</p

Xpert VL assay precision and method comparison on clinical plasma specimens.

<p>Xpert VL assay precision and method comparison on clinical plasma specimens.</p

Validation plan for the Xpert VL assay.

<p>The three specimen types used for validating the Xpert VL assay and statistical methodology employed.</p

Additional file 1: of Risk factors for development of pulmonary arterial hypertension in Australian systemic sclerosis patients: results from a large multicenter cohort study

Comparison of the predictive models based on variable number. (DOCX 126 kb

Reasons provided by 69 patients for their preference.

<p>Preference for either finger stick (left, n = 41) or venipuncture (right, n = 28) blood collection, immediately post-finger stick. Numbers are absolute number of patients mentioning that reason.</p

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-Infected Patients Accept Finger Stick Blood Collection for Point-Of-Care CD4 Testing

<div><p>Introduction</p><p>HIV-infected patients require antiretroviral treatment for life. To improve access to care, CD4 enumeration and viral load tests have been redesigned to be used as point-of-care techniques using finger-stick blood. Accurate CD4 counting in capillary blood requires a free flowing blood drop that is achieved by blade incision. The aim of this study was to assess the attitude of the patients toward blade-based finger-stick blood donation.</p><p>Methods</p><p>Four hundred and ninety-nine patients were included (299 patients from South Africa and 200 from Belgium). They completed a questionnaire to express their preference for finger stick or venipuncture, after undergoing both. The South African patient cohort was divided in two groups, receiving either single or multiple finger stick for CD4 and other HIV-related tests. The Belgian patients received a single finger stick for CD4 testing, and were asked to respond directly and again after two days.</p><p>Results</p><p>The majority of the patients preferred the finger stick to the venipuncture. The perceived pain using the blade was superior to a small needle, but similar to a large needle. They preferred up to three finger sticks over one venipuncture. Up to 30% of the patients changed their mind over two days. The main reason for choosing a finger stick was continued bleeding after venipuncture. The most cited objection to finger stick was pain/soreness.</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>Patient perceptions support the implementation of donating capillary blood with blade-based finger stick during CD4 point-of-care testing.</p></div