With an "ice-cream stick", a test strip and a set of reagents, plus the subject's saliva samples, it only takes 30 minutes to complete the initial HIV screening at home.
The whole process of rapid saliva detection only takes 30 minutes
Saliva test paper "sample", its full name is "oral mucosal exudate human immunodeficiency virus (1/2) antibody detection kit". There are 10 individual packaging bags in the box, each with a test tube with sample diluent, a test strip, and an "ice-cream stick" with a cloth strip at one end (professional name is a buccal swab).
According to Dai Qiheng, executive vice president of Chengdu Xiehe Biotechnology Center of the Institute of Blood Transfusion, during the test, it is necessary to wipe the subject’s upper and lower gum line with the end of the buccal swab with a cloth pad, and then insert the swab into the diluent. In the test tube, sampling is completed after the swab is completely immersed in the diluent. Next, put the test strip into the test tube and observe for 20 minutes, and judge based on the "performance" of the test strip. "If a red line appears on the test strip, the test is negative; if two red lines appear, the test result is positive." Dai Qiheng said that the entire operation process only takes less than 30 minutes.
Only the initial screening test is positive, but confirmation is needed
Dai Qiheng said that compared with traditional blood testing methods, the initial screening of saliva test paper has many advantages. Traditional blood testing requires a long time to be taken back to the laboratory after blood sampling is completed, and there is a certain risk of occupational exposure for medical staff. In addition, the discarded blood samples need to go through a series of procedures for safe disposal. "Any problem in any link may cause infection."
Since HIV antibodies are not only found in the blood, but also in body fluids such as saliva, tears, and urine, preliminary screening can be performed by detecting antibodies in saliva samples. Dai Qiheng said that the use of saliva test strips for testing can not only avoid risks, but also protect the privacy of the infected to the greatest extent. People in need can be screened at home.
"It should be particularly reminded that saliva testing is only the initial screening stage of HIV antibody testing. If the test result is positive, you need to go to a designated hospital for confirmation testing." Dai Qiheng said.