OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of a rapid antibody HIV test (DetermineTM - Abott) for women in labor between August 1, 2001, and October 5, 2002. METHODS: all parturient women who had not been tested for the detection of HIV during pregnancy or had the result of an HIV test not available at admission were included in the present study. Blood samples were collected at the moment of admission, and the rapid test was carried out and compared with the gold standard (ELISA and Western blot). RESULTS: in 298 pregnant women assessed, the rapid test was positive in 16 (5.3%), and the results were confirmed by ELISA and Western blot in 12 cases (4%). All negative results were confirmed by the ELISA and Western blot tests. CONCLUSIONS: the test presented 100% sensitivity, 98% specificity, 75% positive predictive value, and 100% negative predictive value. These data show the importance of the rapid test for the detection of HIV infection in emergencies, such as imminent delivery of non-previously tested pregnant women.
Infections in pregnancy; HIV and pregnancy; SIDA and pregnancy; Vertical transmission; Rapid HIV test
