Dr.Bob, this is Marvin again. I just read the information pertaining to the Oraquick test. I wrote in a few weeks ago as happy as can be with my negative result. Now I don't know what to think!!! I had unprotected sex with my GF because I thought I was safe!!!! I knew the Oral test was too good to be true. Big business - they always know how to screw the little people.

Marvin

Hey Marvin,

Don't panic! OraQuick remains a very valid test. The CDC and OraSure, the company that makes OraQuick, are both investigating recent claims pertaining to sensitivity and specificity of the test results. The CDC has not issued any changes in its recommendations regarding OraQuick. If they do, we'll certainly let all our readers know immediately. But at this point I see no reason to doubt your HIV-negative status. If my reassurances are not enough to assuage your concerns, get an ELISA test. The result will undoubtedly be negative.

Finally, Marvin, the makers of rapid tests are not trying to screw the little people. They are trying to make HIV testing more user-friendly and immediate. I applaud these efforts!

Dr. Bob

Dr.Bob, do you have a moment? Sep 3, 2008

Good evening Dr.Bob, I had a question that has been bugging me for a while. I've had numerous encounters in the past, protected/unprotected. I recently had a rapid HIV test conducted (Oraquick Oral Advance HIV 1/2) that turned out to be negative to my surprise! This about 2 years post my last exposure. BTW, this has been my first ever HIV test. First things first, can I rely on the results? Secondly, I have NEVER had an STD (symptoms that is) present. Is that a good sign? I'll make a donation regardless if you respond or not just because no one deserves this virus. Take care, best wishes, have a great night!

Marvin

Response from Dr. Frascino

Hello Marvin,

A negative OraQuick Advance HIV-1/2 two years after your last potential exposure is indeed definitive and conclusive. HIV is not your problem. No way. No how. No additional testing is warranted.

As for other STDs, yes, certainly not having symptoms is indeed a good sign. Your doctor can screen you for basic STDs as part of your next routine visit if you're worried.

I strongly recommend you only play safe in the future to avoid ever having to go through this uncertainty again.

Play safe to stay safe, OK? Thank you for your donation to the Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation (www.concertedeffort.org). It's urgently needed and warmly appreciated.

Be well. Stay well.

Dr. Bob