Honest Opinion about testing with oral fluid

[worried_for_months]

There are numerous posts about this test using oral fluid. Some say the test gives false negatives, some say the test is only 85% accurate, and I even read a post by Teak that said oral fluid and urine tests were not as sensitive as blood tests.

However, when someone posts on this site that they took the oral fluid test they are always told the test is conclusive if outside of the window period. I'm wondering if this is just what everyone is suppose to say. It seems like a canned response, if it's been more than 3 months, you're good, don't worry about the 15% chance that the test was wrong...

When someone has REAL RISK (not oral or fingering or I got a lap dance) but REAL RISK, is the oral fluid test reliable? Should it be followed up with a blood test regardless of the result? Is it just to reassure people with no risk? All those worried wells who think you can catch HIV from a lap dance? Is the test only meant for them?

I've had real risk and now I feel like the test I took is just a sham. The stress of taking that test was nothing compared to what I am feeling now. How I will make myself do it all over again I have no idea. Wish I would've known this all along so I could've gotten a blood test and been done with it!

[herm7391]

Hey bro, I hope these will help ease your mind and ease your fears..

This is with regards to your test.

"..In October 2004, OraSure Technologies, Inc, the maker of the test, announced that it had FDA approval for a new rapid test that can detect antibodies to both HIV-1 and HIV type 2 (HIV-2). This is called the OraQuick Advance Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test.."

This is with regards to the accuracy of the test.

In 20 minutes, the device indicates whether HIV-1 or HIV-2 antibodies are present. If one line appears on the strip, it means that the person is not infected with HIV (with 99.8% accuracy). If two lines appear, the person is likely infected (99.3% accuracy). If the result is positive, it has to be confirmed with an additional, more specific test.

Author: Steven Fine, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Rochester School of Medicine.

These are now my words, the test doesn't see the type of risk, be it HIGH or LOW, it looks for antibodies and if it's not there after the 'window period', you're NEGATIVE.
Smile. Stop worrying and move on.
=)
I hope this helps.

[Teak]

If you tested 3 months post exposure it doesn't matter what test you used.