How to Take an OraQuick Advance HIV Test

OraQuick tests provide results faster than standard blood tests.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) blood tests are traditionally used to determine whether a person has been infected. These tests take up to two weeks to receive results from, and during this time many who have taken the test are plagued with fear and doubt. The OraQuick Advance HIV test was developed to reduce this fear and anxiety, providing results in 20 minutes. These tests indicate the presence of antibodies in saliva that are developed to combat HIV infection, and if administered correctly, the tests are up to 99 percent accurate.

Things You'll Need

• OraQuick Advance test (contains test device and developer solution vial)
• Developer solution vial holder
• Timer

Instructions

1. Open the OraQuick Advance test package. Remove the cap from the developer solution vial, and place it into the holder provided with the test kit.

2. Place the test device in your mouth, rubbing it along your gums on the top and bottom so that it collects saliva samples that can react with the developer solution. Do this once.

3. Place the test device in the developer solution vial. Set the timer for 20 minutes.

4. Wait for the timer to go off. Examine the results; if one line is present on the test, the results are negative. If two lines are present on the test, the results are positive, and you should have an HIV blood test performed to confirm the result.

Tips & Warnings

• Blood or plasma can be used with OraQuick Advance tests as well, though the accuracy remains around the same regardless of the type of fluid used.

• The purchase of OraQuick Advance HIV tests are regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Though these tests cannot be purchased individually, they are generally available for testing at HIV clinics, county health departments and other medical centers.

• OraQuick Advance tests do not actually test for the presence of HIV, but for antibodies often associated with HIV infection. False positives can occur, so positive results must be followed up with standard blood tests to confirm the presence of HIV infection.

References

• US Food and Drug Administration: OraQuick Advance Product Insert
• OraSure Technologies: OraQuick Advance Product Information Page