Oraquick: Drinking Water

[j8569]

Hello, I recently took the Oraquick home HIV test. I had a protected (condom) hookup about 6 months ago with someone and although they told me they were HIV neg, I thought I should try the test since I hadn't taken one in a while and I did not know if they were telling the truth.
Before I took the test, I had a great deal of anxiety and my mouth became very dry. To calm myself, I inadvertently took one sip of water, and went for a walk outside for about 20 minutes to calm down.
I came back and took the test. 20 minutes later I had a negative result, thankfully!
However, due to my nerves, I forgot the booklet said 30 minutes of no water; I only waited around 20-22. I know this might seem asinine but it's one of those times where the proper steps seem important.  
When I called Oraquick, they told me that because I had not waited the full 30 minutes before a drink of water, they said my result was invalid. My mouth was very dry even after the sip of water.
Can I move on with my life? Or should I take the test again? Thanks for your help, this has given me plenty of stress.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Glad to help. your decision is the same one I would make. EWH

[j8569]

Okay. My anxiety was just due to the fact that it was someone I barely knew. I believe I will hold off on further testing until my next general checkup. Thanks for clearing this up for me.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum. I'll try to help.  First, let me agree with Teak.  following condom protected sex there was no risk for HIV, thus there really was no reason to test.  Therefore, given your history it is almost certain that if you tested again, the test would be negative.  

Then we get to the fact that despite not needing the test, you obtained one and did it incorrectly. The OraQuick tests are very hard to mess up and have rather large margins for error so your results are probably valid despite having drunk water 20 minutes before the test.  At the same time however, the instructions are there for a reason and while your test results are PROBABLY valid, if you were at risk (remember, you are not), the only way to be truly sure is to repeat the test.

I hope these comments are helpful. If I were you I would not bother to test further but obviously, testing is a personal choice. EWH