How accurate is the mouth swab HIV test?!
Question: How accurate is the mouth swab HIV test?
Hello. I went into the clinic for some birth control and they were giving the HIV test. I was surprised to see they didn't take any blood. It was my first test but they did the mouth swab and I was wondering how reliable you guys think the test is. I know you can't get HIV from kissing but apparently I tested negative with the mouth swab.
Answers:
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
its just as accurate or they wouldn't rely on it. it tests the skin cells, thats what they swab for, not saliva.
I tried looking this up and I found a similar question on here. It seems people believe it is nearly or just as accurate but my advice is if you have any doubt it couldn't hurt to take the blood test too. Here's the link. I hope it helps!
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080717135218AANXGKJ
The rapid oral HIV test is considered to be .1% less accurate than the standard blood test.