HIV
Diagnosis: CDC Reports that OraQuick Test
Produces Fewer False Positive HIV-1 Results
AIDS
Weekly
March 3, 2004
The OraQuick Rapid HIV-1 Antibody Test was reported to produce substantially fewer false-positives than traditional lab- based HIV tests or other Food and Drug Administration-approved rapid HIV tests when used in a laboratory setting, according to "Rapid HIV-1 Antibody Testing During Labor and Delivery for Women of Unknown HIV Status: a Practical Guide and Model Protocol," published by CDC in January.
The CDC protocol is designed to offer guidance to health care workers, hospital administrators and policymakers who are planning and implementing a rapid HIV testing program for pregnant women of unknown HIV status during labor and delivery. CDC recommends that rapid HIV testing be routinely offered to such women to providethe opportunity to reduce mother-to- child transmission of HIV even among women who do not seek care until labor begins.
On Jan. 31, 2003, OraSure received a CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments of 1988) waiver for the OraQuick test, permitting its use at more than 180,000 US sites, including physicians' offices, outreach clinics and community- based organizations.