New York City Stops Use of Rapid HIV Tests Because of Rate of False Positives
I worked for a program that was tasked with heavily pushing OraQuick HIV tests shortly after they hit the market. I always got a bad feeling about them.
Results in 20 minutes: fantastic.
Receiving a false result, negative or positive: life-shattering.
I still am glad that there is a quick-result test available, though. While I am concerned that the success rate isn’t as high as expected, I am more concerned that some people won’t get tested at all if they don’t have access to fast, bloodless tests.
David, I agree with you about the need of a bloodless test to improve the number of tested people.
I’m HIV positive. Fortunately I was diagnosed HIV positive in the early stages at testing day in 2006 by using the oraquick oral test. When I was being tested, the agent told me about the chances of a false diagnostic and that was why they gave me a second test before I received my final results. It was a difficult experience to receive the final positive result but today I´m very grateful that I know my status. Knowing my status, gave me opportunity to receive the appropriate treatment early. I have no symptoms of AIDS. I feel healthy! Today, I’m conscience about healthier habits – I eat better for example and I´m not contaminating anybody else! As an HIV positive person, I support any testing initiatives and technologies that can encourage a larger number of people to know their status.