The Bottom Line
The OraQuick Rapid Saliva HIV test is definitely the way to go. By using a toothbrush-like device that is inserted into the mouth instead of drawing blood, this testing method makes an already high-anxiety screening a little more comfortable.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Rapid Results
- No Blood Drawn
Cons
- Fabric Taste
- Seems Easy to Contaminate
Description
- Toothbrush-like device with a fabric swab on the head and a small plastic stem.
- The stem naps off to avoid contamination, while the swab is inserted into a tube of testing fluid.
- The testing tube is easily sealed and ready for transport to a testing laboratory.
Guide Review - Rapid HIV Test
I was pleasantly surprised during my routine HIV test when the clinician pulled out an OraQuick Rapid HIV testing kit from OraSure Technologies instead of a needle. I was relieved that no blood had to be drawn. There was only the slight discomfort of holding a fabric-type swab in my mouth for a couple of minutes. I was then allowed to place the saliva-filled swab into the testing fluid myself, at which point it was sealed and labeled. I was assured that this rapid saliva test produced 99.8% accurate results as opposed to the 99.9% accuracy of standard blood tests. This saliva test definitely relieves some of my anxiety of getting an HIV test. And since results are produced much faster than standard blood drawn tests, my waiting time is much less. Every sexually active gay and bisexual man should get an HIV test every 3 months, and the OraSure test is the way to go!
