Background:

Proficiency Testing (PT) is a critical component of quality assurance in HIV diagnostics, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test results across health systems. As HIV testing continues to expand and evolve—particularly in decentralized and resource-limited settings—and a decreasing prevalence of undiagnosed cases- the need for consistent and high-quality testing has never been more vital. Inaccurate testing can have profound implications, affecting not only individual patient outcomes but also public health initiatives aimed at controlling the HIV epidemic. Proficiency Testing plays a key role in:

The CoP focuses on the following foundational pillars of the Rapid Test Continuous Quality Improvement initiative:

1. Ensuring diagnostic accuracy: By reducing the risk of false positives or negatives, PT enhances the credibility of testing programs.
2. Monitoring site-level performance: Regular assessments help identify areas needing corrective action or retraining, fostering continuous improvement in testing practices.
3. Strengthening confidence in HIV testing services at all levels.
4. Supporting compliance with international quality standards and accreditation frameworks.

To meet the evolving needs of HIV diagnostics, innovative tools are being developed to enhance Proficiency Testing. Advances such as electronic databases facilitate better visualization of data and more effective communication of results, streamlining the testing process. Furthermore, the introduction of more efficient e-tools and the incorporation of single-vial PT panels for integrated pathogens are transforming testing methodologies, making it easier to manage and interpret results in decentralized HIV testing environments. These advancements not only improve the quality of testing but also enhance overall healthcare delivery in resource-limited settings, thereby strengthening program effectiveness.

In the inaugural August 2025 RTCQI CoP Session, there will be key presentations from Nigeria and Myanmar highlighting how they have been able to implement and expand HIV Proficiency Testing to meet evolving needs of HIV diagnosis and to ensure the sustainability of these programs within their countries. For more details, see session agenda below:

Presentations

HIV/Recency Integrated Proficiency Testing (PT) Program

Myanmar Implementation of ePT