Appropriate uses of rapid rests

Rapid diagnostic tests can effectively be used for several purposes:

• Diagnosis - rapid tests can be used to identify, confirm, or rule out disease in symptomatic patients.
• Patient Management - rapid tests can be used to accurately prescribe therapeutic drugs and to monitor treatment.
• Epidemiology - rapid tests can be used to detect and monitor the incidence or prevalence of disease for targeting and evaluating health programs.
• Screening - rapid tests can also be used in case-finding to determine the prevalence of disease in asymptomatic individuals.

The specific performance requirements of a test will vary depending on the intended use or uses.

When considering whether or not to use a rapid diagnostic test in a particular setting, it is important to consider the following:

• Advantages and Disadvantages
• Use algorithms
• Cost
• Barriers and constraints to use
• Best practices

Links to more information

• Diagnostics for the Developing World
  With kind permission from the publisher, WHO offers access to this article describing the great need as well as current limitations of rapid diagnostics in the developing world.
• Basic Principles of Diagnostic Test Use and Preparation
  An article describing the value of rapid tests under field conditions in the developing world
• Point of Care Testing
  This review article describes value and examples of point care testing. This article largely applies to developed country conditions, but demonstrates the value of simple technologies, equally adaptable to resource-limited settings.
• Performance Characteristics of a Rapid HIV Antibody Assay in a Hospital with a High Prevalence of HIV Infection
  This article compares and evaluates the sensitivity and specificity of rapid HIV tests in the context of voluntary testing and counseling programs.