Performing a rapid HIV test is easy and can be completed with just a small amount of blood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists a number of rapid HIV test kits for comparison (see Resources). The instructions for use in each kit are similar, and all of the kits involve a blood drop, or other suitable specimen, a buffering agent and a visibly readable result.
As an example, the Inverness Medical company makes a test kit called Clearview® COMPLETE HIV 1-2 listed on the CDC chart. The test kit is a single-use, self contained, closed system as are all the listed CDC kits. Used for the collection, processing and analysis of a drop of whole blood, or a serum or plasma sample, the kit produces a reactive or non-reactive visible line in as little as 15 minutes. Used by health care workers, the test is readily available for bedside or outpatient use.
Materials Included
A complete HIV 1-2 test pouch containing the plastic testing barrel and buffer cap is included. Inside the pouch, is a single-use lancet for pricking the finger to obtain a drop of blood. An adhesive bandage is available for covering the finger after obtaining the blood. A quick reference card and in-depth product insert are included to explain the rapid procedure. A test stand is included for holding the testing device and buffer cap. Discard the desiccant packet.
Materials Not Included
Alcohol pads for wiping the finger before the finger stick are not included. Protective personal equipment, such as gloves, is not included. A biohazard container for disposal of sharp lancets and contaminated testing devices is not included.
Stepwise Procedure
Remove the buffer cap and place it on the stand. Perform a standard finger stick procedure. Wipe away the first drop of blood; collect the second drop into the narrow end of the testing barrel. The blood will fill the tip by capillary action; do not scrape the blood into the tip. Start the test by pushing the barrel into the buffer cap. There will be three audible snaps as the barrel tip passes through the foil, then the barrel head passing into the cap, and finally, the barrel firmly seating into the buffer cap. Confirm the barrel head position by lining up the two black lines on the test stand. Sample and buffer will begin to travel up the test strip within three minutes. Set a timer for 15 minutes.
Reading Results
Using adequate lighting, look for one or two pink lines to form on the test strip. One of the lines indicates a control to prove the test strip is valid. If a second pink line forms under the control line, the test is considered reactive to HIV antibodies in the blood sample. If only one pink line appears, the test is considered non-reactive to HIV antibodies in the blood sample. If the pink control line does not appear, the test is considered invalid. Refer to the color-coded example in the testing instructions.
Action
If the test result is reactive, the patient should receive treatment as soon as possible. Using highly active antiretroviral therapy, or HAART, has dramatically improved survival rates for HIV infected patients. Non-reactive results in high-risk patients should be repeated in six months.
