Common Questions About HIV Saliva Rapid Testing Explained

Questions about HIV rapid testing?

Hello Doctor, I purchased an HIV saliva rapid test two days ago, and the result was negative.
I have a few questions about the process, and I would appreciate your help.
If there is insufficient sample collection on the test stick, will the C line still appear? Additionally, during the 20-minute waiting period, I accidentally shook the test stick, but it did not come out of the buffer solution.
Will this affect the test results?

Jc, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/11/09

Dr. Liao Zhongxin reply Internal Medicine

The accuracy of the HIV saliva screening test is as high as 99%.
The sample is collected by gently scraping the gums with a collection swab, and results can be interpreted in about 20 to 30 minutes, making it both convenient and quick.
However, saliva testing still has a window period limitation, during which HIV antibodies cannot be detected; thus, the test results only indicate whether an infection occurred more than three months prior.
The oral saliva screening is the latest method, allowing individuals to obtain the test kit and perform the test at home without needing to visit a clinic.
The window period for saliva testing is approximately three months, so testing should be done at least three months after engaging in high-risk sexual activity for accurate results.
After receiving the test kit, do not eat or chew gum for half an hour (similar to riding the subway), and avoid brushing your teeth or using mouthwash.
Take the collection swab and place it along the outer edge of the gums, scraping along the gum line.
After waiting twenty minutes, results will be available.
Similar to a pregnancy test, two lines indicate infection, while one line indicates no infection.
As long as the collection method and steps are followed correctly, the accuracy is very high.
If there are still concerns, please consult a medical facility for further advice and testing.

Reply Date: 2023/11/09

More Info

When it comes to HIV saliva rapid testing, there are several important aspects to consider, especially regarding the accuracy and reliability of the results. Your recent experience with the test raises some valid questions, and I’m here to clarify those for you.

Firstly, regarding your question about whether the test will show a control line (C line) if there is insufficient sample collected on the test stick: The control line is a crucial part of the testing process. It serves as an indicator that the test has been performed correctly and that the reagents are functioning properly. If the C line appears, it means that the test is valid, regardless of whether the sample was sufficient or not. However, if the C line does not appear, the test is considered invalid, and you should repeat the test with a new kit. Insufficient sample collection may lead to a faint or absent test line (T line), but it should not affect the visibility of the control line.

Now, concerning your second question about whether shaking the test stick during the 20-minute waiting period affects the results: Generally, as long as the test stick remains in the buffer solution and is not removed, minor movements should not significantly impact the outcome. The test is designed to be robust, and the reagents should still interact properly as long as the stick is not disturbed excessively or removed from the solution. However, it is always best practice to handle the test stick gently and avoid unnecessary movement to ensure the most accurate results.

It's important to note that saliva tests for HIV are highly accurate, with a sensitivity of approximately 99%. However, they do have a window period, which is the time between potential exposure to the virus and when the test can reliably detect it. For saliva tests, this window period is typically around three months. Therefore, if you had a potential exposure to HIV within the last three months, it is advisable to get retested after this period for a more conclusive result.

In summary, if you see the C line, your test is valid, and if you have concerns about the accuracy due to the handling of the test stick, it may be prudent to repeat the test with a new kit. If you continue to have concerns about your HIV status or if you have had potential exposure, consider consulting a healthcare professional for further testing and guidance. Regular testing is essential for anyone who is at risk, and early detection can lead to better health outcomes.

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