Quote:
The possible availability of the test, which relies on a swab on the inside of the mouth, has raised concerns about the potential psychological impact on people who learn they have the virus with no doctors or counselors present.
The test, called OraQuick Advance, is made by OraSure Technologies Inc. of Bethlehem, Pa. It is already widely available in health clinics and doctor's offices, and the FDA is considering permitting it to be sold over the counter.
A person takes the test by taking a mouth swab and then inserting the swab in a vial of fluid that comes with the test. Twenty minutes later, the device would indicate whether it detects the presence of HIV-1 or HIV-2 antibodies inside cells picked up by the swab.
The test will not detect the virus if the person only recently acquired HIV, the virus that causes
AIDS, because it takes several weeks for the antibodies to appear.
The company has not decided at what price it would sell the kits to consumers, company officials said. The company sells the kits for between $12 and $17 to clinics and doctors, he said.
The test is accurate more than 99 percent of the time, the company says. Still, a positive result from the test should be confirmed through an additional test by doctors or public health officials.
The test, called OraQuick Advance, is made by OraSure Technologies Inc. of Bethlehem, Pa. It is already widely available in health clinics and doctor's offices, and the FDA is considering permitting it to be sold over the counter.
A person takes the test by taking a mouth swab and then inserting the swab in a vial of fluid that comes with the test. Twenty minutes later, the device would indicate whether it detects the presence of HIV-1 or HIV-2 antibodies inside cells picked up by the swab.
The test will not detect the virus if the person only recently acquired HIV, the virus that causes
AIDS, because it takes several weeks for the antibodies to appear.
The company has not decided at what price it would sell the kits to consumers, company officials said. The company sells the kits for between $12 and $17 to clinics and doctors, he said.
The test is accurate more than 99 percent of the time, the company says. Still, a positive result from the test should be confirmed through an additional test by doctors or public health officials.
So, if they approve this, how many of you will be adding this baby to your shopping lists?
Admittedly, I will.