Rapid Oral HIV Test Introduction

Rapid Oral HIV Test Introduction

Getting tested for HIV is now easier.

On March 26, 2004, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new HIV test, one that can be done without using a needle. This test, called the OraQuick Rapid HIV Test for Oral Fluid, provides results in 20 minutes using saliva. This test can detect only HIV type 1 (HIV-1) antibodies.

In October 2004, OraSure Technologies, Inc, the maker of the test, announced that it had FDA approval for a new rapid test that can detect antibodies to both HIV-1 and HIV type 2 (HIV-2). This is called the OraQuick Advance Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test. It can provide results in 20 minutes using saliva, blood, or plasma.