Beware Rapid HIV Testing in Late-Stage AIDS

Impaired antibody response in an AIDS patient compromised the accuracy of the test.

The OraQuick Advance Rapid HIV-1 Antibody Test has transformed HIV testing from a cumbersome process to a rapid while-you-wait affair. Unfortunately, the price of speed is accuracy: Recent reports have described false-negative results in early HIV infection (AIDS Clin Care Aug 20 2007) and a spate of false-positive results when the test is performed on oral secretions (AIDS Clin Care Jul 7 2008). A new case report now highlights the test’s fallibility in late-stage AIDS.

A 28-year-old man came to a Michigan emergency room repeatedly during a 9-month period. Oral candidiasis was documented on three occasions. On two such occasions, the OraQuick HIV test was performed on oral swab samples; both were negative. Ultimately, the patient was hospit…

Reviewing Author

Abigail Zuger, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Abigail Zuger, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Beware Rapid HIV Testing in Late-Stage AIDS

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Reviewing Author