December 3, 2010

Approval of rapid INSTI[TM] HIV-1 Antibody Test

On November 29, 2010, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of the INSTI™ HIV-1 Antibody Test, a new, single use rapid test for the detection of antibodies to Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) in human venipuncture whole blood, fingerstick blood, or plasma specimens. The newly approved test provides results in as little as 60 seconds, in contrast to the six previously approved rapid HIV tests, which typically deliver results in about 10 - 20 minutes.

Rapid HIV tests allow people to learn their HIV status in a single visit to a testing site, instead of returning days later for results, dramatically increasing the number of people who ultimately learn their serostatus after taking an HIV test.

Rapid testing also helps increase access to HIV testing because testing can be performed outside of the traditional laboratory setting. Individuals who undergo testing can be counseled immediately concerning their HIV status and, if they are positive, given the opportunity to enter medical care.

The INSTI™ HIV-1 Antibody Test can be used in clinical laboratories, in public health laboratories and in point-of-care settings. The test is classified as Moderate Complexity under CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments).

It is highly sensitive [The overall sensitivity for the different sample types: 99.8% (95% CI = 99.3% - 99.9%) in fingerstick whole blood, 99.9% (95% CI = 99.5% - 100%) in venipuncture whole blood, 99.9% (95% CI = 99.5% - 100%) in plasma] and specific [The overall specificity for the different samples types: 99.5% (95% CI = 99.0% - 99.8) in fingerstick whole blood, 100% (95% CI = 99.7% - 100%) in venipuncture whole blood, 100% (95% CI = 99.7% - 100%) in plasma] for the detection of antibodies to HIV-1.

The assay is not intended to be used for screening of blood donors.

The INSTI™ HIV-1 Antibody Test is manufactured by bioLytical Laboratories Inc., Richmond, BC, Canada.

Richard Klein
Office of Special Health Issues
Food and Drug Administration

Kimberly Struble
Division of Antiviral Drug Products
Food and Drug Administration

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