OraSure HIV-1 Oral Specimen Collection Device

• Protecting ER staff by identifying HIV-positive patients prior to treatment
• Identifying exposure to HIV through accidental needle sticks
• Minimizing HIV transmission to the infant of an infected mother during childbirth
• Ensuring that HIV-positive inmates are identified upon internment

OraSure HIV-1 uses a specially treated cotton fiber pad attached to a nylon stick which is placed between the lower cheek and gum and left for 2-5 minutes. The OraSure HIV-1 collection pad draws IgG antibodies out of the tissues of the cheek and gum. This sample, called oral mucosal transudate, contains far fewer contaminants than typically found in saliva. If present, antibodies to the HIV-1 virus will be collected in this sample.

The pad is then placed in the OraSure HIV-1 transport vial. This vial contains preservative which will keep the sample stable for up to 21 days at 39 F to 98 F. The sample is then sent off to a qualified OraSure HIV-1 testing laboratory for analysis using the OraSure HIV-1 testing algorithm .

The tests performed at the laboratory test for antibodies to the HIV-1 virus, not the virus itself. This is why OraSure HIV-1 can test for HIV-1, but the virus is not known to be transmittable through oral fluids.