To explore the application of a novel mode of internet-based platform and total nucleic acids (TNA) tests of dried blood spots samples (DBSs) in the population of men who have sex with men (MSM), so as to improve HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection discovery, especially early detection of infection.

Snowball method was used to recruit 600 untreated MSM with unknown infection status. Preparation of DBSs, as well as antibody rapid tests (RT) and total nucleic acid (TNA) tests of HIV were conducted at the Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for HIV antibody will be performed in the laboratory for available paired samples of venous blood. In case of ELISA screening positive, western blot (WB) test for HIV antibody will be performed. HIV TNA reports were submitted to internet platform for the inquires by the subjects.

The positive rate of TNA in 599 qualified samples was 9.35% (56/599) and the percentage of RT negative and TNA positive samples was 21.4% (12/56). Among the 44 samples of RT and TNA positive, 35 paired whole blood samples were collected. Positive rate of ELISA was 100% (35/35). The positive rate of WB was 91.4% (32/35), and WB suspicious rate was 8.57% (3/35). Among the 12 samples suspected to be early infections (with RT negative and TNA positive), one paired whole blood sample was ELISA screening negative.

Internet platform plus DBSs for HIV nucleic acid test detected timely infected patients in high risk population, and provided strong support for subsequent precise interventions. The program is of great significance in effectively preventing and controlling the AIDS epidemics in China.

Human immunodeficiency virus; Internet; Dried blood spot; Men who have sex with men