Novack Lena, Pliskin Joseph S, Shinar Eilat, Safi Jamal, Sarov Batia
Department of Epidemiology and Health Services Evaluation, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer, Sheva, Israel.
Trop Doct. 2006 Oct;36(4):236-9. doi: 10.1258/004947506778604878.
This study evaluates the accuracy and cost-benefit of implementing a pooled screening procedure in blood banks in general and especially in developing countries. The sensitivity of pooled testing was found to be relatively high, with the lowest levels estimated at about 98% for pools consisting of three, six, and 12 samples. Screening in pools of up to 12 samples is expected to be economically beneficial in countries with HIV prevalence rates of 8-10%, which cannot afford the cost of care for an HIV-infected patient.
