Can Negative OraQuick Saliva Tests Rule Out STDs and HIV?

Q: Can Negative OraQuick Saliva Tests Rule Out STDs and HIV?

Hello： There is no need to spend money on testing at home; simply visit a hospital and consult a physician about wanting to undergo sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, which includes not only HIV testing but also syphilis testing, as syphilis is also very important. <br

Saliva testing for HIV?

Seven months ago, I had multiple instances of unprotected sexual intercourse.
Today, I used the OraQuick saliva test twice at home, and both results were negative.
Can I completely rule out any sexually transmitted infections and HIV?

Zxc, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/01/13

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: There is no need to spend money on testing at home; simply visit a hospital and consult a physician about wanting to undergo sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, which includes not only HIV testing but also syphilis testing, as syphilis is also very important.
The results obtained from the hospital are accurate (there's no need for anonymous screening), and if you engage in any unsafe sexual behavior again, you can return to the same physician for retesting after 6-8 weeks.
Isn't that more reassuring? Recently, many HIV patients have been found to be in serious condition.
Don't be afraid; go see a physician for testing.
Physicians are very understanding and empathetic.
Thank you for your inquiry.
(Physicians cannot provide treatment, prescribe medication, or issue a diagnosis without a personal examination.)

Reply Date: 2017/01/13

More Info

When it comes to using OraQuick saliva tests for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), it's important to understand the limitations and accuracy of these tests. While a negative result from an OraQuick saliva test can provide some reassurance, it does not completely rule out the possibility of HIV or other STDs.

Firstly, the OraQuick test is designed to detect antibodies to HIV in saliva. It is important to note that the test has a certain window period, which is the time after potential exposure during which the test may not accurately detect the virus. For HIV, this window period is typically around 3 to 12 weeks, depending on the type of test used. In your case, since you mentioned that you had unprotected sex seven months ago and received two negative results today, it is likely that you are outside the window period for HIV testing. However, it is still advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation.

Moreover, while the OraQuick test is relatively accurate, it is not infallible. The test has a sensitivity of about 92% and a specificity of about 99%. This means that while the test is good at detecting true positives, there is still a small chance of false negatives (where the test result is negative despite the presence of the virus). Therefore, if you have ongoing concerns about potential exposure to HIV or other STDs, it may be prudent to undergo additional testing, such as a blood test, which can provide more definitive results.

In addition to HIV, there are many other STDs that may not be detected by a saliva test. For example, tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and herpes typically require different types of samples (such as urine or swabs) and may not be included in the OraQuick saliva test. If you are concerned about other STDs, it is essential to discuss this with your healthcare provider and consider getting tested for those specific infections.

In summary, while two negative results from the OraQuick saliva test are encouraging and suggest that you are likely not infected with HIV, they do not completely rule out the possibility of HIV or other STDs. It is always best to follow up with a healthcare professional for further testing and guidance, especially if you have engaged in high-risk behaviors. Regular testing and open communication with partners about sexual health are key components of maintaining sexual health and preventing the spread of STDs.

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