11th International AIDS Conference


Vancouver, British Columbia — July 7-12, 1996

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Using oral fluid specimens to extend HIV antibody testing to difficult to reach urban and rural populations.

Int Conf AIDS 1996 Jul 7-12; 11:34 (abstract no. LB.C.6059)
Judson F, Breese P, Winters R, Columbus C, Santistevan C, George JR; Epitope, Inc., Beaverton, OR. Fax: (503) 643-2781.

ISSUE: Testing for HIV infection among some at risk populations is limited by resistance to the invasive nature of the procedure and by the reach of traditional counseling and testing programs. Study: A multicenter study of HIV testing using the FDA-approved OraSure HIV-1 Oral Specimen Collection Device was undertaken through community-based AIDS outreach programs. Both medical and nonmedical personnel were trained in the use of the oral specimen collection device and in HIV education, prevention, and partner notification. Locations for the collection of specimens included such diverse settings as: street corners, halfway houses, correctional facilities, gay bathhouses, shopping malls, supermarkets, and schools and universities. Collection was performed both individually and in groups.

RESULTS: Over a period of 3 months, 2934 specimens were collected from economically and ethnically diverse study populations and only 2 were inadequate for testing. The convenience and noninvasive nature of the test elicited consistently favorable responses from those tested as well as from the specimen collectors. In most cases, both specimen collection and results reporting gave the study personnel the opportunity to provide participants with information and education about AIDS transmission and prevention.

CONCLUSION: Oral HIV testing may be performed in any setting by minimally trained medical and non medical personnel. The noninvasive nature of the test and the potential to administer it in any setting appear to overcome certain logistical and psychological barriers to HIV testing, greatly expanding the reach of traditional counseling and testing programs.

960707
LBC6059

Copyright © 1996 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.