With the FDA approving a new 60-second HIV test, we’ll either see more folks finding out their status because the test is no longer “inconvenient,” or more folks engaging in risky activities because, hey, in the same arm they stick a needle they can find out whether today is the day.
reason
They should call it the pre-sex test. What is the test accuracy. The downside is people would be even less likely to use condoms putting the at risk of other std’s.
uu
Imagine the applications! In my lay opinion this is indeed most wondrous news.
Jack
Joking about being infected with HIV? Classy, Queerty.
Sean
Of course, there’s the same problem as with all HIV testing; you don’t test positive for weeks to months after becoming infected.
Mike in Asheville
@No. 2 UU
Sorry to spoil your jubilation, however, the test can only confirm whether the subject is positive BUT CANNOT CONFIRM WHETHER ONE IS NEGATIVE.
The test determines whether the subject has HIV antibodies; alas, one can be infected and CONTAGIOUS for weeks, even months, before their body generates the HIV antibody that the test uses to determine infection status.
Using the test for determining status of sex partners is a horrible concept providing unreliable information that can easily lead to exposure; using the test for medical evaluation is good news for doctors and their patients.