Detecting HIV antibodies in oral fluid: validation of a commercial antigen-antibody assay

摘要

The use of saliva and oral fluids for detecting antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has long been suggested as an alternative to the use of blood." Oral fluid is a safe, simple and convenient sample to collect for this purpose for a number of reasons. First, the occupational risks associated with needlestick accidents and injuries from phlebotomy are eliminated. Second, although oral fluid from HIV-1-infected individuals contains antibodies to HIV-1, the presence of infectious virus is rare. Third, oral fluid samples are easy to collect and the procedure is non-invasive, increasing patient comfort, acceptability of the method, and compliance with repeated testing.