FDA-approved oral HIV test reduces waiting period for results

The fight to identify HIV -- the virus that leads to AIDS -- has a new tool. The Food and Drug Administration approved an oral testing technique which takes approximately 20 minutes to administer and provides results based on the swab of fluids from the patient's gums. OraSure Technologies, the manufacturer of the test, hopes to reduce waiting periods for patients being tested for HIV from one week for a traditional blood test to 20 minutes for the new test. \nBloomington's Positive Link and the Monroe County Health Department, two local resources for free HIV tests, both offer blood tests but are looking forward to implementing the new technology. \nAt Positive Link, finger prick blood tests are available using Oraquick technology. The clinic plans to have the oral version of the test within the year.\nThe new test will allow faster results and access to counseling. It is described by OraSure as being more than 99 percent accurate. "We have seen that the rapid HIV tests have had a terrific impact," said Rich Hollows, a Positive Link representative. "This year we are testing at twice the rate of last year."\nPositive Link is part of a CDC pilot program which provides the free HIV tests to patients. It is one of six similar sites in Indiana. Positive Link has also had connections to the IU community through walk-in testing on campus.\n"In February, we held a large testing at the IU Memorial Union," Hollows said. "Within 5 hours, we tested 130 people."\nThe group plans to hold a similar program in October. \nThe Monroe County Health Department also offers free tests. Currently, it is using Oraquick 20-minute blood tests similar to those used by Positive Link. Annually, the departments test more than 400 people for HIV. Although the time spans for the Oraquick blood test and the new OraSure saliva test are identical, the saliva test eliminates the need for a fingerstick or a blood draw.\nCenters for Disease Control and Prevention statistics state more than 200,000 Americans are living with AIDS and are unaware of their condition. According to OraSure data compiled on its Web Site, \nwww.orasure.com, more than one-third of patients tested using the old blood test do not return to receive their results after the two-week waiting period.\n"By virtue of its speed, simplicity and its portability, countless more Americans will be able to find out their HIV status immediately," U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson said. \nHe also noted the test provides an important option for patients who might be afraid of a blood test.\nAccording to OraSure Technologies' Web site, it believes oral fluid testing has several significant advantages over blood or urine-based testing systems. These advantages include, "eliminating the risk of needle stick accidents, providing a noninvasive collection technique, requiring minimal training to administer and providing rapid and efficient collection in almost any setting," OraSure said. \nThe Positive Link clinic can be reached at 353-3261 for appointments. Its regular walk-in hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Friday, and Tuesday through Thursday by appointment only. The clinic is located at 333 E. Miller Dr. The Monroe County Health Department can be reached at 349-2829, and tests are administered by appointment only.