AEGiS-ATDN: 20 Minute HIV Test at Community Clinics and Counseling Centers

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

20 Minute HIV Test at Community Clinics and Counseling Centers

Information Bulletin #17 - February 2003

Although The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the 20 minute HIV test, called the OraQuick Rapid HIV-1 Antibody Test, last year, just today the federal government expanded the number of places to get it done from 38,000 laboratory testing sites, to over 100,000 locations that include doctor's offices and HIV counseling centers. According to the Health and Human Services department, "Ensuring the widespread availability of a rapid HIV test to outreach services in communities where people are at high risk of HIV is vital to the public health. "

The test is made by OraSure Technologies,Inc., of Bethlehem, Pa. According to the HHS, "OraSure Technologies tested the accuracy and ease of the test by having 102 untrained users administer the test at four sites in the United States, including a local AIDS foundation, a program for homeless and low income and community-based HIV organization. These users were able to obtain results similar to those obtained in the firm's original studies done in laboratories."

AIDS organizations around the country favored the special permission given by the government to do HIV tests in community settings. They also favor the speed with which they will be able to give their clients answers. Many people get tested for HIV in clinics and other places, but don't come back in one to two weeks for the results. The OraSure test takes about 20 minutes to get results. A small blood sample is taken by pricking a finger with a small sharp object called a lance. It's typically less painful than giving blood with a needle, although people taking the test should be encouraged to get tested for syphilis and hepatitis at the same time. More blood would be required for that purpose, but you could find out if you have been exposed to other viruses as well.

Another reason why community organizations throughout the US supported this expanded approval of the 20 minute test is that no special equipment is needed and the test kits can be stored on a shelf. Hopefully, many more people will agree to get tested for HIV now that they can get a quick answer. The government estimates that about a quarter of a million people have HIV, but don't know it. AIDS advocates believe the number is probably much higher.

Although finding out that you are HIV-positive is not good news, it's important news. After over twenty years of dealing with HIV, health care providers are able to provide specialized HIV care that could prevent you from becoming sick. Some people may not even need to take medications right away. In any case, you will know that you have HIV and will be able to access counseling and support services that will help you deal with it. You'll also know that you have to be careful not to expose others to HIV.

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