Improving Reliability of Dual HIV/Syphilis Testing: A Study on assessing the staff competency on utilization and interpretation through the Internal Quality Control (IQC) process in Gauteng Province, South Africa
1
HIV and AIDS and STI, National Department of Health, Pretoria, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The National Department of Health (NDOH) in partnership with the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) Quality Assurance Division conducted a pilot proficiency testing study in Gauteng province in South Africa. The pilot assessed testing site performance, evaluated user competency, and provided insights to guide future implementation and quality assurance of dual HIV/Syphilis testing in South Africa.
AIM:
The study assessed staff ability to accurately perform and interpret the results of the Dual HIV/Syphilis test utilizing the Internal Quality Control (IQC) process. The aim was to identify any challenges and provide evidence to support the national rollout and ensure the quality aspects were addressed.
METHODS:
Eight healthcare facilities in Gauteng province were selected to participate in the pilot study which was conducted between July - August 2025. The HIV positive control samples were heat-inactivated at 56ºC for 60 minutes and these samples were shipped at room temperature to ensure the stability of the test. Upon receipt, the IQC samples were kept in the freezer below -200 C. Once thawed for use, there were sored in the fridge at 20 to 80 C, and the sample tubes were recapped and sealed tightly and restored for use and for long-term storage.
RESULTS:
Results obtained from participants met the 80% acceptability threshold required for implementation. This confirms both the suitability of the samples and the competency of testers to perform and interpret results accurately in alignment with the Rapid Testing Continuous Quality Improvement (RTCQI) programme standards
CONCLUSIONS:
To maintain the quality of the Dual HIV/Syphilis test kits, in accordance with WHO guidance, the National Department should ensure that Internal Quality Control (IQC) materials are consistently available and routinely utilized in all facilities providing dual testing.
The National Department of Health (NDOH) in partnership with the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) Quality Assurance Division conducted a pilot proficiency testing study in Gauteng province in South Africa. The pilot assessed testing site performance, evaluated user competency, and provided insights to guide future implementation and quality assurance of dual HIV/Syphilis testing in South Africa.
AIM:
The study assessed staff ability to accurately perform and interpret the results of the Dual HIV/Syphilis test utilizing the Internal Quality Control (IQC) process. The aim was to identify any challenges and provide evidence to support the national rollout and ensure the quality aspects were addressed.
METHODS:
Eight healthcare facilities in Gauteng province were selected to participate in the pilot study which was conducted between July - August 2025. The HIV positive control samples were heat-inactivated at 56ºC for 60 minutes and these samples were shipped at room temperature to ensure the stability of the test. Upon receipt, the IQC samples were kept in the freezer below -200 C. Once thawed for use, there were sored in the fridge at 20 to 80 C, and the sample tubes were recapped and sealed tightly and restored for use and for long-term storage.
RESULTS:
Results obtained from participants met the 80% acceptability threshold required for implementation. This confirms both the suitability of the samples and the competency of testers to perform and interpret results accurately in alignment with the Rapid Testing Continuous Quality Improvement (RTCQI) programme standards
CONCLUSIONS:
To maintain the quality of the Dual HIV/Syphilis test kits, in accordance with WHO guidance, the National Department should ensure that Internal Quality Control (IQC) materials are consistently available and routinely utilized in all facilities providing dual testing.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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