WHO Information Note on the Use of Dual HIV/Syphilis Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT)

In 2015, the first multiplex rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for detection of anti- HIV and anti-treponema pallidum (dual HIV/syphilis RDT) was listed on the WHO list of prequalified in vitro diagnostic products (IVD). This information note provides interim advice for countries using or planning to introduce dual HIV/syphilis rapid diagnostic test (RDT) in antenatal services and other testing sites pending forthcoming WHO programmatic guidance, including a WHO recommended testing strategy. This note also emphasizes the need to ensure the quality of HIV and syphilis testing using RDTs, as well as laboratory-based testing, to avoid false positive and false negative HIV and syphilis results.