Heard about a product called "OraQuick Advance" - apparently a non-invasive HIV testing product providing test results in 20 minutes.

Does anyone know if this is available for direct consumer purchase, either over the net or at drugstores?

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It was bound to happen ... that someone would come up with an early HIV detection test kit or something along that line.

With the proliferation of Early Pregnancy Test (EPT) kits available across the counter for females, it doesn't surprise me someone might be marketing an early HIV detection test kit in much the same way EPT kits have been marketed.

But, no, haven't heard about a rapid HIV test ... yet.

__________________
Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves. And, under a just God, cannot long retain it.

-- Abraham Lincoln

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I can see where the confusion is with "rapid", but I can clear it up here ;-)

It's a test that all they have to do, despite the Ora pre-fix, is prick your finger and you'll get your HIV results in 20 minutes.

This doesn't mean "early" detection, although you're right BMG, I wouldn't be surprised if they do come out with one. It just means you don't have to wait a week or so for the regular "western blot" I beleive they call it, test.

I do know right now they're saying the amount of time to wait after a risky exposure is three months before using the rapid test, but the other test is only a six week window, but you do have to wait a while for the results.

Oh yeah, I have no idea if this is sold over the counter.

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The rapid test is not an OTC product. In New York State, only registered clinics and Dept. of Health sites can administer the test with the appropriate resources/counciling available for consultation should the test come back positive for HIV anitbodies. I suspect that to be true in other States as well.

The OraQuick or OraSure "rapid" HIV test originally started as an oral swab and then morphed into a finger prick. I'm not sure if the results are more accurate via the blood test versus the oral swab, but suspect they would be. And yes, as the previous poster states, the result in generally known in about 20 minutes not including waiting time for the test administrator, anonymous questionaire, or any additional consultation for the testee. I'm generally in and out of the test site in less than 40 minutes.

A quick check of Canadian pharmacies does not show the product listed for sale.

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5'9", 160#, S&P brown hair/blue eyes, 7" cut, 52yo, HIV neg. Mostly top but can be versatile.

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Three reason you won't see an OTC rapid test approved by the FDA in the near future.

The first involves counseling. Everyone agrees that a positive result needs immediate counseling. Not only as to the individual's mental state, but also as to community resources, medical follow-up and alternatives, safer sex, notifying partners, etc.

The second is that the oraquick requires special equipment to "develope" the test results. It's not as simple as placing a spot of blood on a peice of paper and waiting 20 minutes (like pissing on a stick for pregnancy) . The paper must be "developed", just like you have to develope an x-ray after it is taken. Do it wrong and you have an inaccurate result. I'm sure it will continue to evolve and improve, but you still have the counseling issue.

Finally, what most of you (and the public) don't know is that Bushy boi has passed rules to soon (like October) make it impossible to get an anonymous HIV test. He didn't out law such testing, but will stop giving money to state health services that offer anonymous tests. No state can afford to lose federal funds, so they will stop giving anonymous tests through state funded sites. dubya's stated reason is that anonymous testing makes it impossible to get a handle on HIV. In actuality, this misguided step will just prevent people from getting tested and knowing their status. Look for a big increase of HIV infections.

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Unfortunately ... the need to be tested for the HIV is based on a person's last episode of engaging in unprotected sex and that person's risk factors (anonymous sex partners, multiple anonymous sex partners, drug usage, etc.).

I'm a realist. An individual can be tested one day and then engage in unprotected sex a week later. A test for the HIV administered on one day reveals nothing about a person's sexual behavior after the test has been administered.

Unless people make significant changes in their sexual behaviors where safe sex practices are a part of that behavior, HIV tests will continue to be viewed by many as inefficacious with an unintended consequence of apathy.

__________________
Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves. And, under a just God, cannot long retain it.

-- Abraham Lincoln

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http://www.hivtestbkk.com/index.htm

Just saw and ad for this on www.stickman.com. If it does not work they seem to have put a lot of effort into their website.

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It is not FDA approved and therefore not sold in the US, though you can order if from overseas. Not being approved by the FDA is neither good nor bad, just a fact.

But if you read their site, by their own admission, there is up to an 80% false positive rate (seems high to me). Still, do you want to take this test, get a false positive and live under that cloud until you can get it verified by a Western Blot test? Why not just get it done in a clinic where they will verify it BEFORE they scare the shit out of you with a false positive?

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Rapid testing is available and in many cases for free.

Check http://hivtest.org/ to find local testing venues.

Information about the rapid test is available from the manufacturer:
http://www.orasure.com/

This link answers the question about o.t.c. and more:

http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/testin...idqandafin.htm

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