OraQuick HIV Test

The OraQuick Rapid HIV-1 Antibody Test is a screening test for HIV-1, the virus that causes AIDS. The test detects antibodies to HIV-1 in a finger stick sample of blood. The results of this test needs to be confirmed by additional tests like other HIV screening tests. For carrying out the test the finger strip is cleaned with alcohol. Then it is pricked with a lancet to get a drop of blood. In such a way the specimen of the blood is collected and transferred to a vial. It is mixed with a developing solution. The test apparatus is then placed in the vial. The results of the test can be read within 20 minutes.

What the OraQuick rapid HIV1/2 antibody test used for?

This test is used for the detection of antibodies to HIV type 1 and HIV type 2. These tests are known as point-of-care tests or rapid tests. If these test shows negative results it does not mean that a person is not infected with HIV but it simply means that it has not exhibited yet. As a result of this the regular use of the test is recommended. Clinical studies have demonstrated that the Oraquick HIV test detects almost 99.6% of people who were infected with HIV-1 correctly as well as 100% of people who were not infected with HIV-1.

Characteristics of OraQuick HIV Test

• Flexible
• It is ideal for both clinical and non clinical settings.
• Rapid
• It provides the results in twenty minutes; the patients get their status so they can be connected to immediate care.
• Accurate
• It is greater than 99% agreement with confirmatory Western blot. 1

What are the limitations of OraQuick HIV Test? Does the test give exact and specific results?

The limitations of this test resembles with the other HIV antibody tests. They are given below:

False negatives - Less number of people who are infected with HIV-1 will have negative test results.

False positive results - Even though none were found in clinical trial, a analysis( statistical) of the data shows that a very less number of people who are not infected with HIV-1 will have reactive test results. As the test is used in large extent, it is expected that false positive results might be seen and so reactive results should not be considered ultimate until confirmatory testing process has been finished.

Follow up testing -

After getting results from this test an individual has to follow up the testing by using another method to confirm the initial results.

Because of the given reasons an individual must receive counseling before being tested and after being tested.

Who is allowed to buy and use the test?

Only clinical laboratories who follow or meet certain quality assurance necessities may buy OraQuick. Moreover, only clinical laboratory agents may use this test.

The given information regarding OraQuick HIV Test would help you to understand the nature of the test.