Title: Performing an HIV test using the KHB rapid test kit
Course: Communicable Diseases Part 3 - Ethiopia (Full)

Performing an HIV test using the KHB rapid test kit

Figure 24.4 A photograph of a KHB kit showing the location of the sample port and the control and test lines. The insert shows a health worker marking the test with a code or client number.

First, collect the test items and other necessary laboratory supplies. Remove the KHB device from its packaging, and label it using a code number or a client identification number. The client is the patient or person taking the test. Code numbers should be used to ensure the test is anonymous.

The device has two parts — at the bottom there is a deep circular area where the blood sample is placed (the sample port); at the top there are two areas marked 'C' for control and 'T' for the test result line.

A photograph of a KHB test is shown in Figure 24.4. The KHB, STAT-PAK and Uni-gold kits have similar structures and parts, though the Uni-gold kit has a different shape.

Collect the specimen using a capillary tube, as described in Section 24.5 of this study session.

Add a drop of whole blood from the capillary tube, enough to cover the sample port of the device (this is shown in Figure 24.5), before adding one drop of running buffer using a pipette. (A running buffer is a liquid that contains reagents and provides optimal conditions for the test to develop).

Figure 24.5 A sample of blood is placed in the sample port of a KHB test device, using the capillary tube.

Now wait for 30 minutes for the test to develop. The control line will be the first to show, and this indicates that the test is working correctly and is valid.

Reading the result of a KHB test

After 30 minutes the test result is ready. Interpretation of the KHB test is straightforward, and examples of real test results are shown in Figure 24.6.

If both the control line and test line are seen, the result is considered to be reactive (top panel of Figure 24.6). If only the control line appears and no test line is seen, the result is considered to be non-reactive (middle panel of Figure 24.6).

If the control line is not seen, the test has not worked correctly (it may have been damaged) and the result is considered to be invalid (bottom panel of Figure 24.6). If the result is invalid, the procedure is repeated using a new KHB device. The result must be recorded on a worksheet, together with any relevant information.

Figure 24.6 How to interpret the KHB device. The top picture shows a reactive result, the middle one is a non-reactive result; and the bottom picture has no lines showing and is therefore an invalid result.

How would you interpret a non-reactive KHB result?

Show answer

This indicates that the person who supplied the blood is HIV-negative and therefore there is no need to proceed to the STAT-PAK test.

What do you do if you get a reactive result using the KHB device?

Show answer

If you get a reactive result with the KHB device, you should proceed to the second test, which is STAT-PAK, to confirm the result.