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Is HIV Swab Test Accurate?

The HIV swab test, or oral fluid test, is considered to accurately screen for the presence of antibodies to HIV. At present time (as of 2009) the Food and Drug Administration has only approved one oral fluid test for use in HIV testing.

  1. Efficacy

    • According to HIV InSite, the results obtained from an oral fluid test are equally accurate as those obtained through the use of a standard HIV antibody blood test.

    Features

    • Oral fluid tests for HIV may be somewhat less invasive than blood tests, as an individual undergoing this test need only hold a small collection device in his mouth, according to HIV InSite.

    Types

    • There are both standard and "quick" versions of the oral fluid swab test for HIV antibodies. According to HIVTest.org, the quick version of the test, which returns results in about half an hour, is as accurate as the standard test.

    Considerations

    • Although the presence of HIV can be accurately established with the use of oral fluid testing, it is important to remember that HIV cannot be transmitted through the saliva of an infected person.

    Warning

    • All HIV tests that check for antibodies to the virus only yield accurate positive results if an infected person has already developed a detectable level of antibodies. Individuals seeking testing should talk with a health-care or testing professional about the last time they may have been exposed to the virus so that it can be determined if testing at that time would yield an accurate result.

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