Table 1.

Test characteristics

	SD Bioline HIV/Syphilis Duo	DPP HIV-Syphilis Assay	Multiplo Rapid TP/HIV Antibody Test	Insti Multiplex HIV-1/HIV-2/Syphilis Antibody Test
Type of assay	Lateral flow immunochromatographic assay	Lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (dual path platform)	Vertical flow immunofiltration immunoassay (flow through)	Vertical flow immunofiltration immunoassay (flow through)
Specimen	Serum, plasma, whole blood	Serum, plasma, whole blood	Serum, plasma, whole blood	Serum, plasma, whole blood
Volume required	10 μl of serum/plasma	10 μl of serum/plasma	1 drop of whole blood/serum/plasma (35-40 μl)	50 μl of whole blood/serum/plasma
	20 μl of whole blood	1 sample loop or 10 μl of whole blood
Time to results	15–20 min	15–25 min	Once all fluid is absorbed	Immediately after adding the Clarifying Solution
			(+/− 3 min)
				(+/− 1–2 min)
Equipment	Timer	Timer	None	None
HIV component	HIV-1/2 recombinant antigens (gp41, gp36 and HIV-1 group O)	HIV-1/2 recombinant antigens (not specified)	HIV-1/2 synthetic peptides (gp36, gp41, gp120 and HIV-1 group O)	HIV-1/2 recombinant antigens (gp41, gp36)
TP component	Recombinant antigen (17 kDa)	IgG/IgM recombinant antigen (not specified)	IgG/IgM recombinant antigens (15 kDa, 17 kDa, 47 kDa)	Recombinant fusion proteins derived from p17 and p47 domains
Steps to perform	Add the specimen.	Add the specimen to the Sample Tainer (with buffer), mix.	Add 3 drops of buffer to the device.	Add the specimen to the Sample diluent vial, mix.
	Add 3 drops of diluent.		Add the specimen.
		Add 2 drops to the test device at Well 1.	Place the InstantGoldCap.	Add the content of this vial to the device.
		Add 4 drops of buffer to the test device at Well 2.	Add 12 drops of buffer.	Add the Colour Developer.
			Remove the InstantGoldCap.	Add the Clarifying Solution.
			Add 3 drops of buffer.
Result interpretation	Clear	Clear	Clear	There is no marker on the devices to indicate the position of the HIV, syphilis and control dot.