It’s similar to a home pregnancy test: you do the test yourself and see the result within a few minutes.
The test checks for HIV antibodies in a sample swabbed from your gums. It doesn’t detect the virus itself, which is not transmitted through saliva. You swab once along your upper gum and once along your lower gum.
One line appears on the test to tell you it’s working. If the antibodies are present, a second line appears. You do not need to send any part of the test back to us. The test can only be used once.
You should not eat, drink or use oral care products (such as mouthwash or toothpaste) for 30 minutes before starting this test.
In studies, tests on people with HIV were 100% accurate, which means that everyone with HIV who took the test got a correct reactive (positive) result. As this is a screening test it is still necessary to get this confirmed through a second test carried out by a healthcare professional.
The test is CE marked, which means it complies with the essential requirements of relevant European health and safety regulations.
There is a small possibility of getting a positive or ‘reactive’ result that, when tested again, is negative. This is called a false positive. The chance of this happening varies but, on average, just 9 in every 1,000 test results for people who don’t have HIV will be incorrect.
That’s why it’s important that any reactive result on this test is confirmed with a second blood test conducted by a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Your test will arrive in a discreet, unmarked package. The test box contains:
Read more information about the test and frequently asked questions on the OraQuick website.
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