Question

A test for the HIV-1/2 antibody contains an external control that did not fall into the range required. What is the correct procedure for this problem? Why are external controls tested?

A donor’s sample tests positive with the hemagglutination test for syphilis. The confirmatory test is negative, and the donor’s history indicates no high-risk behavior. The donor is 68 years old and donating an autologous unit for surgery. Can this autologous unit be used? Why or why not?

Answer 1

If the external control results fall out of range, then the external control troubleshooting procedure should be initiated. This procedure will help to understand where the problem is. The steps involved are:

1. Review the procedure for testing control
2. Review the control results
3. If the control is valid but the device is giving incorrect results, inform the manufacturer.
4. Discontinue using this device
5. Testing should be resumed only after the test give a correct result with the control
6. Document what went wrong for future reference

External controls are tested inorder to

1. To ensure that the testing device is accurately testing HIV
2. To ascertain whether the person performing the test is doing it properly

Part 2

• The confirmatory test for syphilis is negative and the patient has no high-risk behavior.
• Tests like hemagglutination tests tend to remain positive even after effective treatment of syphilis.
• Therefore, it can be assume that the patient is negative of syphilis.
• The patient is donating blood for autologous transfusion.
• Autologous transfusion means the patient's own blood will be transfused to the patient on a later date.
• This procedure reduces the risk of transmission of bloodborne infection from the donor blood.
• As the blood is of the patient himself, there should be no concern about the transmission of infection
• Hence, this gentleman can be allowed to donot blood for autologous blood transfusion