Questions about Testing

Hello Doctors,

First off I would like to thank you so much for your time and effort in aiding me with my question.  I took an OraQuick Advance Rapid HIV Antibody Test via Finger Prick (blood specimen) approx. 10 months after my last sexual incounter with a NON-REACTIVE result.  I just wanted to know if this is a reliable, accurate/conclusive result?  The reason I ask is just because I got a little freaked out by people and stuff on the net saying that this particular test may give a False Negative result which I hope is just jive.  It's making me think that I should have taken the Western Blot Test but I wanted to ask you the proffessional what you think.  Thank You Very Much :)  

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum.  You need not be concerned.  Your results are reliable. In order to be approved for use, the OraQuick assays must pass the same sort of performance standards as the other, lab based tests.  Soon after these tests were released there were reports that they were not as sensive as the standard tests. These reports, which still persist on the internet are wrong.  Since the Oraquick tests have become available, there have been further studies that show that the performance of the OraQuick tests are just as reliable as the lab based tests, verifying the tests performed for FDA approval.  My advice is to not worry and to stay off the internet.  EWH

[datman]

Thank You Doctor:)

[datman]

Hey before you go, im not trying to pester you but I just want to ask , so would you say this test just as good as taking a standard lab test such as ELISA or Western Blot?  

[datman]

Hey before you go, im not trying to pester you but I just want to ask , so would you say this test just as good as taking a standard lab test such as ELISA or Western Blot? Sorry I forgot to send this to you personally.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Yes, the OraQuick assay is just as god as the standard ELISA test.  It had to past the same level of testing and perform equally withthe ELISA tests to be approved by the FDA and this has been shown repeatedly by studies.  EWH

[datman]

Thanks Doc :)

[datman]

So am I allowed to be 100% confident in my result? Based on my info.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

there should be no need for me to repeat myself. Please see above. EWH