The US federal health agents have launched an inquiry into the oral HIV tests which have given false results. The use of the product has been stopped at the California and New York health centers. The rapid OraQuick Advance saliva test reportedly gives a result in just 20 minutes. The test had gained popularity as blood samples are not called for, in addition to its speed. (
Complaints are being investigated by officials belonging to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The recent accuracy levels of the test have been at 99.1%, which may lead to significant differences when a large group of people are tested. The FDA is expected to take corrective action after the results of the inquiry are revealed. The OraSure Technologies of Bethlehem, the manufacturer of the test is cooperating with the investigation. (The kit can also conduct blood tests, and the high false positives are reported to be only from the saliva test. Due to its popularity, as many as 6,000 more people underwent the test during the course of 2005. The tests have been stopped by the New York City health officials after instances of false positives. The follow-up laboratory tests threw light on the false positives.
