oral swab test

Hi. How accurate is the rapid HIV test that uses oral fluid? This is the test I had done and now I am really scared cause I've read that its accuracy is not nearly that of the standard ELISA.

Also- when you get the oral test done, you are supposed to swab once around the upper gums and then once around the lower gums. The nurse who performed my test also swabbed on my cheeks a lot- would this mess up the results?

Thanks. I'm so worried

[Teak]

Very accurate if done 3 months post exposure.

[auroralights]

Thanks, Teak. I got it done at 6 months after the last exposure, which was unprotected vaginal sex. So the way the test was performed wouldn't affect the results?

[Teak]

That is the way they are suppose to be done been the cheek and gum.

[auroralights]

Oh, ok. Thanks. And just one last question- it says on the website about the Oraquick oral fluid test that results need to be read in 20-40 mins. It was BARELY 20 mins when the nurse called me back in to read my results. Like maybe 18, 19 minutes. If you can read the results out to 40 minutes, could it have turned positive after I left and she not known it because she already threw it away?

[Teak]

No.

[auroralights]

Thanks Teak. Sorry for the paranoia

[auroralights]

Do I need to back up the oral test with a standard conventional blood test or is the oral one enough for me to be conclusively negative? The oral swab test can definitively say someone is negative? I know positives have to be backed up with a western blot but if they are negative do I need to get a conventional blood test for more reassurance?

[Teak]

No.

[auroralights]

Thanks, Teak- reasoning behind this? I'm sorry I'm just one of those people that has to have a reason for everything. :/

[tom24978]

I No how you feel,its so scary and how weird you can/cant get the disease