How can a person get tested?
A. Several years ago, the only type of antibody test available was a blood test done through your doctor’s office. Today, as technology has improved, there are now different types of antibody tests available. Antibody tests can now be done on blood, mouth swabs, and urine, all based on ELISA and Western Blot techniques. Many people who dont like needles are glad to be able to choose the mouth swab or urine test. The lab tests dont look for HIV itself. They look for antibodies to the virus. The HIV antibody test, marketed under the brand name OraSure, actually looks for HIV antibodies in a fluid in the mouth called “oral mucosal transudate.” But for simplicity sake it is sometimes referred to as the mouth swab test.
Related Questions
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- What if the person tested for Family Finder is deceased, or what if they will not submit a new DNA sample?
- Why should a person who has a sexually transmitted disease (STD) be tested for HIV?
