Aa
Is there any way to get an HIV infection from a rapid HIV test kit?
Hi all. I am a teacher in South Africa. One of my passions and hobbies is to try and educate the youth regarding STD's and prevention thereof. I am familiarising myself with STD transmission risks and other information, however from time to time a varsity student tends to ask me something that simply has me at loss for a decent educated answer. Recently I bought a box of rapid HIV test kits (blood/plasma) so that I could have a discussion and testing session with a few first year students who admitted to sometimes taking sexual risks. Everyone enjoyed the experience and pledged to always practice safe sex after our discussion and testing exercise. I am happy to report that no positive test results came out of the day (15 students tested); however I do not view HIV as being a death sentence or something that anyone should ever stimatize others over! I made it very clear to the students that although safety and prevention are extremely important, people living with HIV are just like anyone else and should never be treated otherwise. Anyhow, after we were done, one student came and asked me something that scared me a bit since I did not know the answer and I allowed the students to pull apart their testing devices (pricked fingers exposed to the device) to see what was inside etc. before the question was asked. The question was if HIV antigen was not the main ingredient of the testing strip and if so, there was not a risk of acquiring HIV from the testing kit itself. I simply did not know the answer and all I could say in response is that I am sure the kits would not be sold to the public if there was any such risk. I am now quite petrified that I might have exposed all those young people to a possible risk. Many let their pipettes touch the testing pad when they transferred blood into the device and then drew more blood from their fingers to add (as we used various YouTube videos as a guide and most everyone who tested on the videos had done the same thing). Others (my students) pulled apart their devices after testing to see what was inside and further proceeded to dissect the inner workings of their tests with their exposed pre-pricked fingers. I left them as the whole exercise amused them greatly and I thought it served as a good learning experience. Even I dissected my test in the same fashion like a total idiot! I came home and started researching the topic, however all I can gather from the internet and one other post I found on this site (regarding an oral test) is that a dormant form of antigen is used, however there was not much info on the subject. Is this correct? Most information I can find is regarding the oral versions of testing kits and not really the blood testing kits. Does anyone know scientifically how these kits work and if there is any risk at all? I can't honestly see how as they are sold commercially with no warnings regarding this, but then again in this day and age you never know! Also, is there any risk of being exposed to the buffer liquid, since I have no idea what is inside that either. I am looking for fact/scientific based answers and not assumptions, since I want to inform the students next week regarding the answers I receive. All answers I receive will be greatly appreciated. P.S sorry this is so long :-)
I don't possess the "scientific" expertise you are searching for, and I doubt anyone here does. I have never heard of anyone taking apart their test kits to see what's inside and have no idea if this a good idea or not. I have no idea what chemicals are used in these tests or how they might affect someone who comes into contact with them. Somewhere on the box or on the instruction sheet there should be a number you can call for assistance when using the test. I strongly suggest you call that number and put your question(s) to the manufacturer of the test kit. They are the ONLY ones who are going to be able to give you the information you're looking for. I CAN tell you with some assurance that IF the students ONLY HANDLED THEIR OWN TESTING EQUIPEMENT.........there would be no way another student could become infected. It would also be extremely unlikely that even if another student touched someone else's test kit, by the time they did, the blood would have been exposed to the air which would render any virus inactive. (Unable to infect) My main concern is you allowing the students to break open the equipment without knowing anything about the chemicals inside the device. Even if, as you say, there is no warning on the test kit not to do this. My advice is to contact the company immediately and to NOT allow the students to break the kits apart until you know for sure there is no danger.
1 Comments
Found out by a doctor who has shares in a company that manufactures these tests, that the antigen used inside the test is a harmless, dead lab created "antigen". No warning on box because no risk. The students only played with their own kits. Five to be exact. Alcohol hand sanitizers were then used. Needless to say I won't be letting them do this again though. So to anyone concerned, you cannot get HIV from the stuff they use to make the test kits.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.
