Oakland Tribune Examines OraQuick Rapid HIV Test That ‘Could Alter’ HIV Diagnosis, Treatment

The Oakland Tribune on Monday examined the use of OraSure's OraQuick rapid HIV test, which can deliver a result in about 20 minutes, saying that the test "could alter diagnosis and treatment for thousands." An estimated 25% of the almost one million HIV-positive people in the United States are unaware of their status, according to the CDC, partly because nearly 50% of people who undergo HIV testing never return for their results. However, with the OraQuick test, "there's little time to ponder the outcome," which can present a challenge for HIV counselors who must deliver the results to clients, according to the Tribune. Although a traditional laboratory-based antibody test is required to confirm any positive OraQuick result, the test did not have any false-positive results in clinical trials (Vesely, Oakland Tribune, 8/4). The complete article is available online.