Know Your Status programs use Orasure's OraQuick ® Advance Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test. An "antibody test" is one which tests for your bodies' production of antibodies to the HIV virus. Basically, when an individual becomes infected, their body attempts to fight off the infection by producing said antibodies; this test looks for the presence of these antibodies in your system. Keep in mind though that it can take your body anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months (often called the "window period") to start producing these antibodies, so, it is possible to be infected and still have a negative HIV test. If you have engaged in any risky behavior in the last three months, we encourage you to get tested now, and then again once three months have passed - you can get tested at KYS for free as many times as you like.
For more information on the oral, rapid HIV test, visit OraSure's official site.
Relax: we don't want your blood! Because we are testing for antibodies, and not the virus itself, we can do an oral swab instead of a finger-prick or blood draw. That's right; we just do a quick, painless swab! You can see the test kit used at KYS pictured here.
Rapid test: Because of recent advances in HIV-testing technology, it is now possible for you to have your results in only 20 minutes. Results are read as illustrated in this photo (link to second picture - ): one control line indicates a negative result, and two lines indicate a positive result. In the event of a positive result you will be referred to a clinic to have what is called a "confirmatory blood draw." This blood draw confirms the presence of the HIV virus in your body, and is also the first step towards linkage-to-care with an HIV specialist.
