Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 11/2/2005

Question
Thank you very much Kristen

I really appreciate your response.  I was just questioning the reliability of oraquick test.  Something that takes 20 to get results, althought very good from the mental stampoint (don't have to wait for a results forever), questions like how effective is this test comparing to ELISA? do occur.  But then again the manufacturer says it gives correct results over 99% of the time.  So my thinking was; Well take two tests after window period and if one confirms the other the results are absolutely correct.

Do you think I am correct in my thinking  


Followup To
Question -
Hello doctor.

One simple question.

Does a oraquick test with blood sample at 5 months and 17 months a completely reliable test, where I have absolutely excluded possibility of HIV
Answer -
At 17 months post-possible exposure? Yes, any test would give an accurate result after that amount of time.

Answer
Are you trying to do your testing yourself, at home? I would suggest getting the ELISA test from your local health department. I am not sure the mechanism by which the Oraquick test measures HIV antibodies but it may also use the ELISA as well. That is something you can ask the person who takes the sample.