Can i trust rapid. tests for hiv as. reliable and accurate?

HIV test: The quick-result blood test uses a small amount of blood taken from your finger or arm. You can also have an oral swab performed. These rapid test must be confirmed. They are screening tests and should not be used to diagnose hiv. The confirmatory tests are performed on blood taken from your arm with a needle. This blood is sent to a lab for testing. This test is confirmed by a second test.

Get confirmation: Rapid tests are great for getting people screened and tested.If its positive, most protocols call for more confirmatory blood tests.

Yes: Yes, rapid tests are very reliable and accurate and are used routinely.

Screening: Rapid HIV tests have limits (both blood and swab tests). When positive, a second more sophisticated test is required to confirm the result. Most laboratories will do the confirmatory test automatically. If the test is negative, there is still the possibility of infection. The test should be repeated in 1-2 weeks from the time of possible exposure.

Needs confirmation: Rapid screening tests have high sensitivity but not necessarily high specificity. A positive screening test, a rapid HIV test is a screening test, needs to be confirmed.