OraQuick

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

OraQuick is an HIV test that provides results in 20 to 40 minutes. It is a rapid antibody test that can be performed on oral fluid or a blood sample. The test is designed to return a result quickly, typically within 20-40 minutes, and is often used in clinical settings for preliminary screening.

Overview[edit | edit source]

The OraQuick test is a type of Rapid HIV test that detects the presence of HIV antibodies in a person's body by testing their oral fluid or blood. The test is designed to be simple to use and read, making it suitable for use in a variety of settings, including clinics, hospitals, and community health centers.

Procedure[edit | edit source]

To perform the OraQuick test, a healthcare provider will collect a sample of oral fluid from the person being tested. This is done by swabbing the inside of the person's mouth with a special device provided with the test kit. The device is then placed in a vial of developing solution. After 20 to 40 minutes, the results can be read directly from the device.

Interpretation of Results[edit | edit source]

A positive OraQuick test result indicates that HIV antibodies have been detected in the sample. This is a preliminary result, and all positive results must be confirmed by a more specific test, such as a Western Blot test. A negative result means that no HIV antibodies were detected in the sample. However, this does not necessarily mean that the person is not infected with HIV, especially if exposure to the virus occurred within the past three months.

Accuracy[edit | edit source]

The OraQuick test has been shown to have a high degree of accuracy. However, like all tests, it is not 100% accurate. False positive and false negative results can occur. Factors that can affect the accuracy of the test include the timing of the test in relation to when exposure to the virus may have occurred, and whether the test was performed correctly.

See Also[edit | edit source]

OraQuick Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD