t - New York Civil Liberties Union

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Union-Endicott
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There are currently three rapid HIV tests licensed for use in the United
States:
» OraQuick Rapid HIV -1 Antibody Test, manufactured by OraSure Technologies, Inc.
» Reveal HIV -1 Antibody Test, manufactured by MedMira, Inc.
» Single Use Diagnostic System for HIV-1 (SUDSTM), manufactured by Abbott-Murex
What are the benefits of a rapid HIV test?
In 2000, about 30 percent of people tested through public testing programs who
tested HIV-positive and 39 percent of people who tested HIV -negative did not
return to receive their test results. With rapid HIV testing, results are available in
as little as 20 minutes. Also, unlike other tests, a rapid test can be stored at room
temperature and requires no special equipment.
How does the test work?
The OraQuick Rapid HIV -1 Antibody Test detects antibodies to HIV -1, the virus
that causes AIDS, in the blood of an HIV -infected individual. Less than a drop of
blood is needed for the test.
How accurate is the test?
According to the manufacturer, the test is able to correctly identify at least 99.6
percent of specimens from HIV -infected persons, and 100 percent of specimens
from uninfected individuals are negative.
When should someone
be tested?
It takes about one to three months for detectable antibodies to appear in the blood
after HIV infection. However, someone who might be infected should be tested
as soon as possible, and then re-tested later.
What if the results
are negative?
Because HIV antibodies take time to develop, people with a possible exposure
(sexual contact or needle sharing) within the last three months should be re-tested.
Staff at the testing site will be able to recommend a timeframe for the second test.
What if the results
are positive?
Follow-up blood testing using another test is necessary to confirm that HIV
antibodies are present.
HUMAN RELATIONS MEDIA BIl AIDS UPDATE: THE LATEST FACTS