Your Questions Answered

How does an HIV antibody test work?

An HIV antibody test detects the cells that the body's immune (defense) system creates in response to HIV infection. When HIV enters the body, the body starts to produce antibodies. In the case of HIV, the antibodies can't fight off the infection. But, their presence can be used to tell whether a person has HIV in his or her body. Most HIV tests detect the presence of HIV antibodies, not the virus itself.

How can the OraQuick® use oral fluid when HIV can't be transmitted through saliva?

The OraQuick® test detects antibodies produced in response to a HIV infection, not the virus itself.

When should I test if I think I have been exposed to HIV?

The OraQuick® HIV Self-Test can give you accurate results 3 months from exposure. Most people will develop antibodies to HIV within this period of time. If you test within 3 months of possible exposure and the result is negative, you may want to repeat the test at least 3 months after the possible exposure. Ninety-seven (97) percent of people develop antibodies within the first 3 months after infection. In rare cases, it can take up to 6 months. If there is a need to test sooner, please contact a healthcare professional in your area.

What could cause false positives on an HIV test?

A false positive is when an HIV test shows that a person has HIV when infact they have not contracted it. Conditions that can lead to a false positive HIV test are:

  • Incorrectly reading the test as positive
  • Not following the instructions for use carefully
  • Not waiting 15 minutes after eating, drinking, or 30 minutes after using oral care products before taking the test
  • Having participated in a HIV vaccine clinical trial
  • Swiping each gum several times during oral collection

A positive HIV antibody test is always followed by a second test with your healthcare provider to confirm the presence or absence of HIV infection.

Can I use the OraQuick® HIV Self-Test on my child?

The OraQuick® HIV Self-Test is intended for use by individuals' ages 18 and older. It is not for use in children under 18 years of age. If your child is younger than 18 years of age, and you are concerned that your child has HIV, please contact a healthcare professional as soon as possible

I'm pregnant and/or breastfeeding. Can I use the test?

It is safe to use the OraQuick® HIV Self-Test if you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding

I wear braces. Can I still use the OraQuick® HIV Self-Test?

It is safe to use the OraQuick® HIV Self-Test if you wear braces or a retainer.

If I wear dentures to cover my gums, can I still take the test?

If you have dentures that cover your gums, there are steps you should take prior to testing. You should:

  • Remove the dentures.
  • Wash any remaining paste off of the gums.
  • Wait 30 minutes.
  • Perform the test according to the instructions.

I opened my test and there is no fluid in the tube. What should I do?

If there was no fluid in the test tube when you opened the kit, the kit is defective. We apologize for this inconvenience. Please contact us for a replacement kit.

What should I do if I (or my child, friend, or partner) accidentally drank the testing fluid from the test tube?

The ingredients in the test fluid are not toxic and pose no known health risk in the amount provided in the vial. If you or someone you know has swallowed some of the liquid and you are concerned, please contact your doctor. If you were unable to complete the test, please obtain a new test kit.

I mistakenly/accidentally removed the test stick (or it fell out) from the vial early (before 20 minutes). Will my results be valid?

If you removed the test stick, or it fell out, at any point after you placed it in the test tube, the result of the test is not valid even if you immediately replaced the test stick. The test stick must remain in the test tube for at least 20 minutes as shown in the instructions. Therefore, do not consider your result an accurate indication of your HIV status. Please repeat the OraQuick® testing procedure with a new test kit.

 I left the test stick in the vial for longer than 40 minutes. Will the results be accurate?

If you read the test more than 40 minutes after the test stick was placed in the vial, the result of the test is not valid. Do not consider the result an indication of your HIV status. Please repeat the OraQuick® testing procedure with a new test kit and carefully follow all the handling and testing instructions.

What should I do with the materials after taking the test?

You can dispose of the test in general waste; no extra precautions are necessary.

When I read my test result, there were no markings or colourings at all. What does this mean?

If the test stick did not have any lines on it when you read your test result, then your test did not work. Therefore, do not consider the result you got as a valid indication of your HIV status. Please repeat the OraQuick® testing procedure with a new test kit and carefully follow all the handling and testing instructions.

My test result was positive. Can someone get HIV by touching, licking, or other contact with the saliva on the test stick, or the test tube/liquid?

Scientists and medical experts agree that HIV does not survive well outside the body. This means that the risk of environmental transmission (spread) is remote. Therefore, if someone came into direct contact with your test stick, there is extremely little risk of transmitting HIV to them. Contact with saliva has never been shown to result in the transmission of HIV. Because your test result is positive you will need a second test to confirm your HIV status. Please see your physician or a healthcare provider to obtain a follow-up test in a medical setting. A doctor, clinic, or healthcare professional must confirm your OraQuick® HIV Self-Test. Until your result is confirmed, be sure to take precautions to avoid any chance of spreading HIV. In particular, you should avoid all sexual activities until you know your HIV status. You can dispose of the test in general waste; no extra precautions are necessary.