Fast Triple Test a Game Changer for Expectant Mothers

HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis continue to pose significant health threats across Africa, especially among pregnant women. Testing for these infections is often fragmented and time-consuming, with Syphilis testing rates lagging behind those for HIV and Hepatitis B. In Rwanda, for example, while testing coverage exceeds 95% for HIV and Hepatitis B, Syphilis testing remains under 70% due to being offered separately. In Kenya, a study revealed that 95.3% of surveyed women had never been tested before, pointing to limited access to screening services. Prevalent stockouts of testing kits and reagents further exacerbate the problem, hindering timely and comprehensive diagnostics. Now, a single test that allows for the simultaneous detection of the three infections is expected to reduce the time patients spend in healthcare facilities and improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery across Africa.

Abbott (Abbott Park, IL, USA) has introduced the WHO-approved Determine Antenatal Care Panel (ANC Panel), a triple test kit that requires only a single finger prick and delivers results within 20 minutes. The development was guided by efforts to eliminate HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis by 2030 and improve healthcare efficiency across Africa. The ANC Panel combines the testing for all three infections into a single, streamlined process. The kit is expected to cut the average clinic visit time from 113 minutes to 39 minutes and ease the workload of healthcare staff. In Kenya, where the kit was evaluated, it significantly reduced wait times and improved access to care. Despite initial challenges in hepatitis testing compared to malaria, the ANC Panel demonstrated high accuracy and usability.

Image: The Determine Antenatal Care Panel diagnoses HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B at the point of care (Photo courtesy of Abbott)

In the Kenyan study, 95% of women rated the triple test kit as reliable and accurate, underscoring its potential to improve diagnostics. Officials in Rwanda confirmed that the test aligns with national goals and ongoing triple elimination strategies. Though the test is currently targeted at women, it has also been used to test men in Kenya, and Rwandan authorities are exploring a similar inclusive approach. The rollout is expected to begin across several countries based on available funding and interest. Discussions with global partners are ongoing to support broader deployment. The ANC Panel may soon serve not just antenatal care, but also contribute to broader screening efforts among diverse populations.

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