High rate of hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus false‐positive results in serologic screening in sub‐Saharan Africa: adverse impact on the blood supply

BACKGROUND False positivity in blood screening may cause unnecessary deferral of healthy donors and exacerbate blood shortages. An international multicenter study was conducted to estimate the frequency of HCV and HIV false seropositivity in seven African countries (Burundi, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Blood donations were tested for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with rapid detection tests (RDTs), third‐generation enzyme immunoassays (EIAs), or fourth‐generation EIAs. HCV (456/16,613 [2.74%]) and HIV (249/16,675 [1.49%]) reactive samples were then confirmed with antigen/antibody assays, immunoblots, and nucleic acid testing. Partial viral sequences were analyzed when possible. RESULTS The HCV reactivity rate with RDTs was significantly lower than with EIAs (0.55% vs. 3.52%; p