HIV Rapid Test

A rapid diagnostic test (RDT) is a medical diagnostic test that is quick and easy to perform. RDTs are suitable for preliminary or emergency medical screening and for use in medical facilities with limited resources. They also allow point-of-care testing in primary care for things that formerly only a laboratory test could measure. They provide same-day results within two hours, typically in approximately 20 minutes. Rapid HIV tests are taken with the help of Testers.

No special preparation is required for these tests, Since only a tester is used. The tester is used to read either oral or blood values of antibodies against HIV.

This test provides quick results, so that patient’s doesn’t need to come back some other time to get the results. Patient’s who are afraid of needle sticks can take the oral tests. If the patient immediately knows they are HIV positive, they can start their treatment immediately after. This test doesn’t require any special equipments. An oral test is less dangerous to the one who tests the patient. Since there is no risk of the blood being spilled onto the technician or accidentally getting pricked by the same needle.

To perform a rapid test, the tester collects either oral secretions or a drop of blood from a finger-stick sample. For oral secretions, the device involves swabbing once around both the upper and lower gums. The tester then inserts the device into a vial containing the developing solution.