What is OraSure?
The OraSure HIV-1 oral specimen collection device is an easy way to get tested for HIV infection. OraSure requires no blood or needles. The process takes a few minutes. Like a blood test, OraSure checks for HIV antibodies, not the virus.
A trained professional, your tester, will show you what to do. Your tester will give you a special OraSure pad with a handle. Using the handle, you place the pad between your cheek and gum. Rub it gently back and forth until it is moist. Then leave it in place for two minutes. After two minutes, your tester will ask you to put the pad into a vial. The pad goes to a medical lab for testing and the results will be available to you in 7 to 10 days. You will have to bring your test number and stop back in person to obtain the test results, as they are not given over the phone.
How accurate is OraSure?
Doctors and clinics tested OraSure in thousands of people. The tests showed the OraSure stystem to be more than 99% accurate. Even so, false results can occur with any test. Be sure to discuss your results with your healthcare provider.
How can you test for HIV in your mouth if you can't get HIV from Saliva? Press 3 (825)
OraSure checks for HIV antibodies, not the virus. A blood test works the same way. Saliva has never been known to infect anyone with HIV.
Why should I get tested? Press 4 (826)
You cannot tell by looking at someone whether he or she has HIV. The virus takes time to show its effects. A person can have HIV for ten years or more before the symptoms of AIDS appear. Anyone can have the virus without knowing it. The only way to be sure, for yourself and your loved ones is to take the test.
What should I know before I test?
Your health care provider is the best person to answer your questions about HIV, the OraSure HIV antibody test and other testing options. HIV antibody testing can be performed on either an OraSure sample or blood sample. Ask your health care provider for the information you need to make good choices.
· What is the OraSure HIV antibody test and how is it done?
· What are HIV and AIDS
· How does HIV spread and how can people prevent it?
· How private is my test result?
· What results are possible from my test? What do the results mean?
· How could the test results affect me?
· Who should I tell about my test results?
How private is my test result?
Ask your health care provider how they will keep your test results private. Most clinics provide either confidential or anonymous testing.
Confidential testing means the clinic keeps your record secret from everyone except health professionals. In some states they must report results to the health department.
Anonymous testing means no one asks your name. You are the only one who can tell anyone else your results. Anonymous testing is not available everywhere.
What does a negative result mean?
A negative result means the lab found no HIV antibodies in your sample. If you had no risks for HIV in the six months before your test, you probably don't have HIV. A risk is contact with blood, semen, or vaginal fluids from a person who may have HIV. You can stay free of HIV by following prevention guidelines. Talk to your health care provider.
If you had any risks for HIV in the six months before your test, it is possible that you have HIV. This is because can take six months after you are infected to make HIV antibodies. Get tested again in 3 to 6 months to be sure you're not infected. Practice safe sex. Ask your health care provider to help you understand what your result means for you.
What does a positive result mean?
A positive test result means you have HIV infection and you can benefit from special medical care. New treatments can keep you healthy, even though you have HIV. See a doctor, even if you don't feel sick. A doctor can help you stay healthy and live longer. Other tests can tell you how strong your immune system is and what treatments might be best for you. Some people stay healthy for a long time with HIV. Others become ill more rapidly. Be careful not to pass HIV on to others.
What does an indeterminate result mean?
Once I while, test results are unclear. The lab cannot tell whether they are positive or negative. This can happen even if the test was done exactly right. It does not happen often. If you get this result, you will need more tests to know whether you have HIV.