HIV test 339553 225711279 2008-07-15T00:59:35Z WhatamIdoing 1998764 Rm single-country link: Wikipedia is a worldwide encyclopedia [[Image:Tobias-AIDS-test.jpg|right|thumb|[[Randall L. Tobias]], former U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, being publicly tested for HIV in Ethiopia in an effort to reduce the stigma of being tested.]] '''HIV tests''' are used to detect the presence of the [[human immunodeficiency virus]] in [[blood serum|serum]], [[saliva]], or [[urine]]. Such tests may detect [[HIV]] [[antibodies]], [[antigen]]s, or [[RNA]]. == Terminology == The '''[[window period]]''' is the time from infection until a test can detect any change. The average window period with antibody tests is 22 days. Antigen testing cuts the window period to approximately 16 days and [[nucleic acid|NAT]] (Nucleic Acid Testing) further reduces this period to 12 days.[http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/2001/ANS01103.html] Performance of medical tests is often described in terms of: * [[Sensitivity (tests)|sensitivity]]: The percentage of the results that will be positive when HIV is present * [[Specificity (tests)|specificity]]: The percentage of the results that will be negative when HIV is not present. All diagnostic tests have limitations, and sometimes their use may produce erroneous or questionable results. * [[Type I and type II errors|False positive]] results are when the test concludes HIV is present when, in fact, the person is not infected. * [[Type I and type II errors|False negative]] results are when the test concludes HIV is not present, when in fact the person is infected. Nonspecific reactions, hypergammaglobulinemia, or the presence of antibodies directed to other infectious agents that may be antigenically similar to HIV can produce [[Type I and type II errors|false positive]] results. Autoimmune diseases, such as [[systemic lupus erythematosus]], can also cause [[Type I and type II errors|false positive]] results. == Principles == === Screening donor blood and cellular products === Tests selected to screen donor blood and tissue must provide a high degree of confidence that HIV is '''not''' present (that is, a high [[Sensitivity (tests)|sensitivity]]). A combination of [[antibody]], [[antigen]] and [[nucleic acid]] tests are used by [[blood bank]]s in Western countries. The [[World Health Organization]] estimated that, [[as of 2000]], inadequate blood screening had resulted in 1 million new HIV infections worldwide. In the USA, most blood donations are screened with an [[ELISA]] test for HIV-1 and HIV-2, as well as a nucleic acid test. These diagnostic tests are combined with careful donor selection. [[As of 2001]], the risk of transfusion-acquired HIV in the U.S. was approximately one in 2.5 million for each transfusion.<ref>[http://www.psbc.org/need/adverse.htm Adverse reactions associated with blood transfusion]. From the Puget Sound Blood Center. Accessed 5 Oct 2006.</ref> === Diagnosis of HIV infection === Tests used for the diagnosis of HIV infection in a particular person require a high degree of both [[Sensitivity (tests)|sensitivity]] and [[Specificity (tests)|specificity]]. In the United States, this is achieved using an [[algorithm]] combining two tests for HIV antibodies. If antibodies are detected by an initial test based on the [[ELISA]] method, then a second test using the [[Western blot]] procedure determines the size of the antigens in the test kit binding to the antibodies. The combination of these two methods is highly accurate (see below). === Human rights === The UNAIDS/WHO policy statement on HIV Testing states that conditions under which people undergo HIV testing must be anchored in a [[human rights]] approach that pays due respect to [[medical ethics|ethical principles]].<ref>[http://data.unaids.org/una-docs/hivtestingpolicy_en.pdf UNAIDS/WHO policy statement on HIV Testing (PDF)], accessed 5 Oct 2006.</ref> According to these principles, the conduct of HIV testing of individuals must be * [[Confidential]]; * Accompanied by counseling (for those who test positive); * Conducted with the [[informed consent]] of the person being tested. === Standards of care === In the United States, one emerging [[standard of care]] is to screen all patients for HIV in all health care settings.<ref name="pmid17438679">{{cite journal | author = Armstrong WS, Taege AJ | title = HIV screening for all: the new standard of care | journal = Cleve Clin J Med | volume = 74 | issue = 4 | pages = 297–301 | year = 2007 | month = April | pmid = 17438679 | doi = | url = | issn = }}</ref> == Antibody tests == HIV '''antibody tests''' are specifically designed for routine diagnostic testing of adults; these tests are inexpensive and extremely accurate. === Window period === Antibody tests may give [[false negative]] (no antibodies were detected despite HIV being present) results during the ''window period'', an interval of three weeks to six months between the time of HIV infection and the production of measurable antibodies to HIV [[seroconversion]]. Most people develop detectable antibodies approximately 30 days after infection, although some seroconvert later. The vast majority of people (99%) have detectable antibodies by three months after HIV infection; a six-month window is extremely rare with modern antibody testing.<ref>[http://www.metrokc.gov/health/apu/infograms/hivantibody0903.htm Update on the HIV Antibody Test Window Period], from the Seattle and King County Public Health Department. Accessed 21 Feb 2007.</ref> During the window period, an infected person can transmit HIV to others although their HIV infection may not be detectable with an antibody test. [[antiretroviral drug|Antiretroviral therapy]] during the window period can delay the formation of antibodies and extend the window period beyond 12 months.<ref>{{cite conference | author=C B Hare, B L Pappalardo, M P Busch, B Phelps, S S Alexander, C Ramstead, J A Levy, F M Hecht | url=http://www.iasociety.org/ejias-search/show.asp?abstract_id=2172342&iConferenceID=2004 | title=Negative HIV antibody test results among individuals treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) during acute/early infection | booktitle= The XV International AIDS Conference | year=2004 | pages=Abstract no. MoPeB3107}} </ref> Antibody tests may also yield false negative results in patients with [[X-linked agammaglobulinemia]]; other diagnostic tests should be used in such patients. Three instances of delayed [[HIV]] [[seroconversion]] occurring in health-care workers have been reported;<ref> Ridzon R, Gallagher K, Ciesielski C, et al. Simultaneous transmission of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus from a needle-stick injury. N Engl J Med 1997;336:919-22.</ref> in these instances, the health-care workers<ref>[http://aepo-xdv-www.epo.cdc.gov/wonder/prevguid/m0052722/m0052722.asp HIV Seroconversion in HEALTH-CARE WORKERS]</ref> tested negative for [[HIV]] [[antibodies]] greater than 6 months postexposure but were seropositive within 12 months after the exposure.<ref>J.L. Gerberding, San Francisco General Hospital, unpublished data, May 1997</ref> [[DNA]] sequencing confirmed the source of infection in one instance. Two of the delayed [[seroconversion]]s were associated with simultaneous exposure to [[hepatitis C]] virus ([[HCV]]). In one case, co-infection was associated with a rapidly fatal [[HCV]] disease course; however, it is not known whether [[HCV]] directly influences the risk for or course of [[HIV]] infection or is a marker for other exposure-related factors. === ELISA === The '''ELISA test,''' or the enzyme immunoassay (EIA), was the first screening test commonly employed for HIV. It has a high [[Sensitivity (tests)|sensitivity]]. In an [[ELISA]] test, a person's [[blood serum|serum]] is diluted 400-fold and applied to a plate to which HIV antigens have been attached. If antibodies to HIV are present in the serum, they may bind to these HIV antigens. The plate is then washed to remove all other components of the serum. A specially prepared "[[secondary antibody]]" — an antibody that binds to human antibodies — is then applied to the plate, followed by another wash. This secondary antibody is chemically linked in advance to an [[enzyme]]. Thus the plate will contain enzyme in proportion to the amount of secondary antibody bound to the plate. A [[substrate (biochemistry)|substrate]] for the enzyme is applied, and catalysis by the enzyme leads to a change in color or fluorescence. ELISA results are reported as a number; the most controversial aspect of this test is determining the "cut-off" point between a positive and negative result. === Western blot === In the [[Western blot]] procedure, cells that may be HIV-infected are opened and the [[protein]]s within are placed into a slab of gel, to which an electrical current is applied. Different proteins will move with different velocities in this field, depending on their size, while their electrical charge is leveled by a surfactant called [[sodium lauryl sulfate]]. Once the proteins are well-separated, they are transferred to a membrane and the procedure continues similar to an ELISA: the person's diluted serum is applied to the membrane and antibodies in the serum may attach to some of the HIV proteins. Antibodies which do not attach are washed away, and enzyme-linked antibodies with the capability to attach to the person's antibodies determine to which HIV proteins the person has antibodies. There are no universal criteria for interpreting the Western blot test: the number of viral bands which must be present may vary. If no viral bands are detected, the result is negative. If at least one viral band for each of the GAG, POL, and ENV gene-product groups are present, the result is positive. The three-gene-product approach to Western blot interpretation has not been adopted for public health or clinical practice. Tests in which less than the required number of viral bands are detected are reported as indeterminate: a person who has an indeterminate result should be retested, as later tests may be more conclusive. Almost all HIV-infected persons with indeterminate Western-Blot results will develop a positive result when tested in one month; persistently indeterminate results over a period of six months suggests the results are not due to HIV infection. In a generally healthy low-risk population, indeterminate results on Western blot occur on the order of 1 in 5,000 patients.<ref>Bartlett, JG. Serologic tests for the diagnosis of HIV infection, in UpToDate. Accessed 5 Oct 2006.</ref> === Rapid or point-of-care tests === [[Image:Oraquick.jpg|thumb|A woman demonstrates the use of the OraQuick rapid HIV test]] Rapid Antibody Tests are [[qualitative]] immunoassays intended for use as a [[point-of-care test]] to aid in the diagnosis of HIV infection. These tests should be used in conjunction with the clinical status, history, and risk factors of the person being tested. The specificity of Rapid Antibody Tests in low-risk populations has not been evaluated. These tests should be used in appropriate multi-test [[algorithm]]s designed for statistical validation of rapid HIV test results. If no antibodies to HIV are detected, this does not mean the person has not been infected with HIV. It may take several months after HIV infection for the antibody response to reach detectable levels, during which time rapid testing for antibodies to HIV will not be indicative of true infection status. A comprehensive risk history and clinical judgement should be considered before concluding that an individual is not infected with HIV. '''OraQuick''' is an antibody test that provides results in 20 minutes. The blood, plasma or oral fluid is mixed in a vial with developing solution, and the results are read from a sticklike testing device. '''Orasure''' is an HIV test which uses mucosal transudate from the tissues of cheeks and gums. It is an antibody test which first employs ELISA, then Western Blot. '''Clearview Complete HIV 1/2''' and '''Clearview HIV 1/2 Stat-Pak''' are rapid tests for the detection of HIV 1 and HIV 2 antibodies in blood, serum, or plasma samples. Results are provided within 15 minutes. There is also a '''urine test'''; it employs both the ELISA and the Western Blot method. '''Home Access Express HIV-1 Test''' is a FDA-approved home test: the patient collects a drop of blood and mails the sample to a laboratory; results and counseling are obtained over the phone. === Interpreting antibody tests === ELISA testing alone cannot be used to diagnose HIV, even if the test suggests a high probability that antibody to HIV-1 is present. In the United States, such ELISA results are not reported as "positive" unless confirmed by a Western Blot. The ELISA antibody tests were developed to provide a high level of confidence that donated blood was ''NOT'' infected with HIV. It is therefore not possible to conclude that blood rejected for transfusion because of a ''positive'' ELISA antibody test is in fact infected with HIV. Sometimes, retesting the donor in several months will produce a ''negative'' ELISA antibody test. This is why a confirmatory Western Blot is always used before reporting a "positive" HIV test result. False positive results due to factors unrelated to exposure to HIV are found more often with the ELISA test than with the Western Blot. False positives can be caused by antibodies to viruses other than HIV, antibodies produced by pregnancy, and other medical conditions such as recent acute illnesses, influenza vaccinations and allergies<ref>Simonsen et al: "Multiple False Reactions in Viral Antibody Screening Assays after Influenza Vaccination", American Journal of Epidemiology Vol. 141, No. 11: 1089-1096</ref>. A false positive result does not indicate a condition of significant risk to health. When the ELISA test is combined with Western Blot, the rate of false positives is extremely low, and diagnostic accuracy is very high (see below). === Accuracy of HIV testing === The evidence regarding the risks and benefits of HIV screening was reviewed in July 2005 by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.<ref>"Screening for HIV: A Review of the Evidence for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force", ''Annals of Internal Medicine'', Chou et. al, Volume 143 Issue 1, pp. 55-73. [http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/full/143/1/55]</ref> The authors concluded that: {{Quotation|...the use of repeatedly reactive enzyme immunoassay followed by confirmatory Western blot or immunofluorescent assay remains the standard method for diagnosing HIV-1 infection. A large study of HIV testing in 752 U.S. laboratories reported a sensitivity of 99.7% and specificity of 98.5% for enzyme immunoassay, and studies in U.S. blood donors reported specificities of 99.8% and greater than 99.99%. With confirmatory Western blot, the chance of a false-positive identification in a low-prevalence setting is about 1 in 250 000 (95% CI, 1 in 173 000 to 1 in 379 000).}} Other studies have confirmed the accuracy of current methods of HIV testing in the [[United States]], reporting false-positive rates of 0.0004% to 0.0007% and false-negative rates of 0.003% in the general population.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Kleinman S, Busch M, Hall L, Thomson R, Glynn S, Gallahan D, Ownby H, Williams A | title = False-positive HIV-1 test results in a low-risk screening setting of voluntary blood donation. Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study | journal = JAMA | volume = 280 | issue = 12 | pages = 1080–5 | year = 1998 | pmid = 9757856 | doi = 10.1001/jama.280.12.1080}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | author = Burke D, Brundage J, Redfield R, Damato J, Schable C, Putman P, Visintine R, Kim H | title = Measurement of the false positive rate in a screening program for human immunodeficiency virus infections | journal = N Engl J Med | volume = 319 | issue = 15 | pages = 961–4 | year = 1988 | pmid = 3419477}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | author = MacDonald K, Jackson J, Bowman R, Polesky H, Rhame F, Balfour H, Osterholm M | title = Performance characteristics of serologic tests for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) antibody among Minnesota blood donors. Public health and clinical implications | journal = Ann Intern Med | volume = 110 | issue = 8 | pages = 617–21 | year = 1989 | pmid = 2648922}}</ref><ref name="falseneg1">{{cite journal | author = Busch M, Eble B, Khayam-Bashi H, Heilbron D, Murphy E, Kwok S, Sninsky J, Perkins H, Vyas G | title = Evaluation of screened blood donations for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection by culture and DNA amplification of pooled cells | journal = N Engl J Med | volume = 325 | issue = 1 | pages = 1–5 | year = 1991 | pmid = 2046708}}</ref><ref name="falseneg2">{{cite journal | author = Van de Perre P, Simonon A, Msellati P, Hitimana D, Vaira D, Bazubagira A, Van Goethem C, Stevens A, Karita E, Sondag-Thull D | title = Postnatal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 from mother to infant. A prospective cohort study in Kigali, Rwanda | journal = N Engl J Med | volume = 325 | issue = 9 | pages = 593–8 | year = 1991 | pmid = 1812850}}</ref><ref name="mmwr">Update: serologic testing for HIV-1 antibody--United States, 1988 and 1989. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 1990; 39:380.</ref><ref name="natmed">{{cite journal | author = Urnovitz H, Sturge J, Gottfried T | title = Increased sensitivity of HIV-1 antibody detection | journal = Nat Med | volume = 3 | issue = 11 | pages = 1258 | year = 1997 | pmid = 9359701 | doi = 10.1038/nm1197-1258}}</ref><ref name="falsepos">{{cite journal | author = Farzadegan H, Vlahov D, Solomon L, Muñoz A, Astemborski J, Taylor E, Burnley A, Nelson K | title = Detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection by polymerase chain reaction in a cohort of seronegative intravenous drug users | journal = J Infect Dis | volume = 168 | issue = 2 | pages = 327–31 | year = 1993 | pmid = 8335969}}</ref> == Antigen tests == The '''p24 antigen test''' detects the presence of the [[p24 protein]] of HIV (also known as CA), a major core protein of the virus. [[monoclonal antibody|Monoclonal antibodies]] specific to the p24 protein are mixed with the person's blood. Any p24 protein in the person's blood will stick to the monoclonal antibody and enzyme-linked antibody to the monoclonal antibodies to p24 causes a color change if p24 was present in the sample. This test is no longer used routinely in the US[http://www.fda.gov/cber/gdlns/hivhcvnatbld.htm] or the EU [http://www.eurosurveillance.org/em/v10n02/1002-221.asp] to screen blood donations since the objective was to reduce the risk of false negatives in the window period. Nucleic acid testing (NAT) is more effective for this purpose, and p24 antigen testing is no longer indicated if a NAT test is performed. The p24 antigen test is not useful for general diagnostics, as it has very low sensitivity and only works during a certain time period after infection before the body produces antibodies to the p24 protein. == Nucleic acid based tests (NAT) == Nucleic-acid-based tests amplify and detect a 142-[[base pair|base]] target sequence located in a highly conserved region of the HIV ''gag'' gene {{Fact|date=February 2007}}. Since [[2001]], donated blood in the [[United States]] has been screened with nucleic-acid-based tests, shortening the window period between infection and detectability of disease to about 12 days. Since these tests are relatively expensive, the blood is screened by first pooling some 10-20 samples and testing these together; if the pool tests positive, each sample is retested individually. A different version of this test is intended for use in conjunction with clinical presentation and other laboratory markers of disease progress for the management of HIV-1-infected patients. In the '''RT-PCR test''', viral [[RNA]] is extracted from the patient's [[blood plasma|plasma]] and is treated with [[reverse transcriptase]] (RT) to convert the viral RNA into [[cDNA]]. The [[polymerase chain reaction]] (PCR) process is then applied, using two [[Primer (molecular biology)|primers]] unique to the virus's genome. After PCR amplification is complete, the resulting DNA products are [[Nucleic acid hybridization|hybridized]] to specific [[oligonucleotide]]s bound to the vessel wall, and are then made visible with a probe bound to an enzyme. The amount of virus in the sample can be quantified with sufficient accuracy to detect three-fold changes. In the '''Quantiplex bDNA''' or '''branched DNA test''', plasma is [[centrifuge|centrifugated]] to concentrate the virus, which is then opened to release its RNA. Special [[oligonucleotide]]s are added which bind to viral RNA and to certain oligonucleotides bound to the wall of the vessel. In this way, viral RNA is fastened to the wall. Then new oligonucleotides are added which bind at several locations to this RNA; and other oligonucelotides which bind at several locations to those oligonucleotides. This is done to amplify the signal. Finally, oligonucleotides that bind to the last set of oligonucleotides and that are bound to an enzyme are added; the enzyme action causes a color reaction which allows quantification of the viral RNA in the original sample. Monitoring the effects of antiretroviral therapy by serial measurements of plasma HIV-1 RNA with this test has been validated for patients with viral loads greater than 25,000 copies per milliliter.<ref>[http://www.fda.gov/cber/PMAsumm/P0000280S.pdf FDA summary of branched DNA test], accessed 5 Oct 2006.</ref> {{further|[[Viral load|Viral load testing]]}} == Other tests used in HIV treatment == The '''CD4 T-cell count''' is not an HIV test, but rather a procedure where the number of [[helper T cell|CD4 T-cells]] in the blood is determined. A CD4 count does not check for the presence of HIV. It is used to monitor immune system function in HIV-positive people. Declining CD4 T-cell counts are considered to be a marker of progression of HIV infection. In HIV-positive people, AIDS is officially diagnosed when the count drops below 200 cells/μL or when certain [[opportunistic infection]]s occur. This use of a CD4 count as an AIDS criterion was introduced in 1992; the value of 200 was chosen because it corresponded with a greatly increased likelihood of opportunistic infection. Lower CD4 counts in people with AIDS are indicators that prophylaxis against certain types of opportunistic infections should be instituted. Low CD4 T-cell counts are associated with a variety of conditions, including many viral infections, bacterial infections, parasitic infections, sepsis, tuberculosis, coccidioidomycosis, burns, trauma, intravenous injections of foreign proteins, malnutrition, over-exercising, pregnancy, normal daily variation, psychological stress, and social isolation.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} This test is also used occasionally to estimate immune system function for people whose CD4 T cells are impaired for reasons other than HIV infection, which include several blood diseases, several genetic disorders, and the side effects of many chemotherapy drugs. Generally speaking, the lower the number of T cells, the lower the immune system's function will be. Normal CD4 counts are between 500 and 1500 CD4+ T cells/microliter, and the counts may fluctuate in healthy people depending on recent infection status, nutrition, exercise and other factors. Women tend to have somewhat lower counts than men. Duo/combined tests are also available which combine antigen and antibody testing, thereby making earlier detection possible.<ref>[http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/InSite?page=kb-02-02-01-a HIV Antibody Testing - Appendix 1: Performance Characteristics of Fourth-Generation Assays<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> == Criticisms of HIV tests == Recently, there has been concern regarding the accuracy of OraSure Technologies Inc.’s OraQuick oral HIV test. New York City recently discontinued the use of the oral HIV test due to a rising rate of false positives which approached 1.1% over the last eight months. Health departments in New York, San Francisco, Utah, and Minnesota found elevated rates of false positives with OraQuick in 2004 and 2005; at that point, New York changed their procedure by confirming any positive results with a blood sample on the same test. However, New York City health officials began to notice false positives again in October 2007 through the following April; shortly thereafter, their STD clinics stopped using oral testing altogether. <ref>[http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601124&sid=aorUpxTeRFPg&refer=home OraSure's Oral AIDS Test Has Too Many False Positives<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> HIV tests have been criticized by [[AIDS denialists]] (people who reject the [[scientific consensus]] that HIV causes AIDS), including the "Perth Group", led by hospital technician [[Eleni Papadopulos-Eleopulos]], who question the very existence of HIV. Their arguments rest on theoretical issues of specificity, standardization, reproducibility, and validation and are not supported by experimental data.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Papadopulos-Eleopulos E, Turner V, Papadimitriou J |title=Is a positive western blot proof of HIV infection? |journal=Biotechnology (N Y) |volume=11 |issue=6 |pages=696–707 |year=1993 |pmid=7763673 |doi=10.1038/nbt0693-696}}</ref> The accuracy of serologic testing has been verified by isolation and culture of HIV and by detection of HIV [[RNA]] by [[polymerase chain reaction|PCR]], which are widely accepted "[[gold standard (test)|gold standards]]" in [[microbiology]].<ref>{{cite journal | author = Busch M, Eble B, Khayam-Bashi H, Heilbron D, Murphy E, Kwok S, Sninsky J, Perkins H, Vyas G | title = Evaluation of screened blood donations for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection by culture and DNA amplification of pooled cells | journal = N Engl J Med | volume = 325 | issue = 1 | pages = 1–5 | year = 1991 | pmid = 2046708}}</ref><Ref name="macdonald">{{cite journal | author = MacDonald K, Jackson J, Bowman R, Polesky H, Rhame F, Balfour H, Osterholm M | title = Performance characteristics of serologic tests for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) antibody among Minnesota blood donors. Public health and clinical implications | journal = Ann Intern Med | volume = 110 | issue = 8 | pages = 617–21 | year = 1989 | pmid = 2648922}}</ref> While AIDS denialists focus on individual components of HIV testing, the combination of ELISA and Western Blot used for the diagnosis of HIV is remarkably accurate, with very low false-positive and -negative rates as described above. The views of AIDS denialists are based on highly selective analysis of mostly outdated scientific papers; there is broad [[scientific consensus]] that HIV is the cause of AIDS.<ref>[http://www.aidstruth.org AIDSTruth.org], a site focused on examining AIDS denialist claims. Accessed 5 Oct 2006.</ref><ref>[http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/news/focuson/hiv/resources/ National Institutes of Health fact sheet on the connection between HIV and AIDS]. Accessed 5 Oct 2006.</ref><ref>[http://www.sciencemag.org/feature/data/cohen/cohen.dtl Series of articles from ''Science'' magazine, debunking the claims of AIDS denialists]. Accessed 5 Oct 2006.</ref> == Fraudulent testing == There have been a number of cases of fraudulent tests being sold via mail order or the Internet to the general public. In 1997, a California man was indicted on mail fraud and wire charges for selling supposed home test kits. In 2004, the US Federal Trade Commission asked Federal Express and US Customs to confiscate shipments of the Discreet home HIV test kits, produced by Gregory Stephen Wong of Vancouver, BC. In February 2005, the US FDA issued a warning against using the rapid HIV test kits and other home use kits marketed by Globus Media of Montreal Canada. == References == <div class="references-2column"> {{Reflist}} </div> == External links == *[http://www.unaids.org/html/pub/una-docs/hivtestingpolicy_en_pdf.htm UNAIDS issues HIV testing policy] June 2004 *[http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/InSite?page=kb-02-02-01 HIV Antibody Assays resource from UCSF] *[http://www.hivtest.org/ National database of HIV testing resources], sponsored by the [[Centers for Disease Control]] *[http://www.fda.gov/cber/products/testkits.htm List of HIV tests approved by the U.S. FDA] *[http://www.aids.gov AIDS.gov - The U.S. Federal Domestic HIV/AIDS Resource] *[http://www.HIVtest.org HIVtest.org - Find an HIV testing site near you] *[http://www.knowyourstatus.info A toolkit to design campaigns to promote HIV testing in different scenarios] *[http://www.ubio.in/public-health/aidshiv-testing-methods-procedures-and-strategies/ Summary of HIV Test Methods (presentation with photographs)] {{AIDS}} {{DEFAULTSORT:HIV test}} [[Category:Blood tests]] [[Category:HIV/AIDS]] [[Category:Human rights]] [[de:HIV-Test]] [[es:Prueba de VIH]] [[fr:Test VIH]] [[id:Tes HIV]] [[it:Test HIV]] [[no:Hiv-test]] [[nn:OraQuick]] [[pt:Exame de HIV]] [[fi:HIV-testi]] [[zh:HIV檢測]]