Are HIV test strips accurate?
Jan 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, HIV test strips are quite accurate and are suitable for initial self-screening by individuals who may be at risk of HIV infection due to high-risk sexual behaviors, sharing needles, or other related activities. The detection principle of HIV test strips mainly involves identifying HIV antibodies or antigens in human blood, saliva, or urine to determine whether an HIV infection is present.
Generally, HIV test strips are quite accurate and are suitable for individuals who may have been exposed to HIV risk, such as those who have engaged in high-risk sexual behaviors or shared needles, to perform preliminary self-screening. Detailed analysis is as follows:
The principle of HIV test strips mainly involves detecting HIV antibodies or antigens in human blood, saliva, or urine to determine whether an infection is present. Generally speaking, HIV test strips purchased from legitimate sources, meeting quality standards, and used within their expiration date can provide reliable accuracy when the test is performed correctly. After the window period, the accuracy of blood test strips usually reaches above 95%, while saliva test strips typically achieve an accuracy of around 90%.
Individuals concerned about possible HIV infection after high-risk behavior can use test strips for self-testing to promptly understand their infection status. However, the accuracy of HIV test strips can also be influenced by various factors. For example, insufficient sample collection, unsuitable testing temperature, or failure to read the result within the time specified in the instructions may all lead to inaccurate results, including false positives or false negatives.
Before using the test strip, carefully read the instructions to understand the correct operating procedures and precautions. During the testing process, maintain hygiene and avoid cross-contamination to ensure the accuracy of the test results.
