Rapid Diagnostic Testing for HIV:
Clinical Implications of a New Diagnostic Tool

RAPID TESTING AT PUBLICLY FUNDED COUNSELING
AND TESTING SITES IN NEW JERSEY

Rapid HIV testing, using OraQuick® or OraQuick® Advance, has been available at publicly funded HIV counseling and testing sites in New Jersey since November 2003. It is currently offered at 140 sites with expansion anticipated to continue to occur.

Through April 5, 2006, 52,818 tests were preformed with 52,389 (99.2%) of persons receiving results. Most persons (51,791, 98.1%) tested negative and 986 (1.9%) tested positive. Of those testing positive, 685 (69.5%) represent newly identified persons with HIV disease. Forty-one persons (0.08%) had discordant results in which the rapid HIV test was positive and the confirmatory Western blot was negative.

Remarkable improvement has been noted in the percentage of persons receiving test results (65% prior to rapid HIV testing and 99% with rapid HIV testing) and in the proportion of persons tested who are HIV positive (2% prior to rapid HIV testing and 2.5% with rapid HIV testing). In addition almost two-thirds of the persons testing positive for HIV are newly identified. These people are referred for treatment, prevention services, and social services.