More False-Positive Results with Rapid Oral-Fluid HIV Tests

Recent experience indicates that all reactive oral-fluid tests should be followed by whole-blood tests using finger sticks. Western blot confirmation is required for all positive rapid tests.

The OraQuick Advance Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test was approved by the FDA in 2002 and can be used to test either oral fluid or blood. In late 2005, counselors at several HIV testing programs in New York City reported an unusually high proportion of false-positive results from the OraQuick oral-fluid test (AIDS Clin Care Jan 4 2006). At the time, CDC investigators found no evidence of lot- or device-related problems and instead pointed to unidentified client- or site-specific factors (AIDS Clin Care Mar 15 2006). The New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene subsequently introduced a new testing protocol, in which all persons with positive results on rapid oral-fluid tests would undergo rapid whole-blood tests using finger sticks. Now,…

Reviewing Author

Carlos del Rio, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; NIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes; Vaccines

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesInternational Antiviral Society–USA (Board of Directors); Infectious Diseases Society of America (Past President)

Carlos del Rio, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; NIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes; Vaccines

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesInternational Antiviral Society–USA (Board of Directors); Infectious Diseases Society of America (Past President)

More False-Positive Results with Rapid Oral-Fluid HIV Tests

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Reviewing Author