How to use HIV test strips correctly?

AIDS is a highly harmful infectious disease. HIV is a virus that can attack the human immune system. Many people who are afraid of AIDS will choose to use AIDS test strips to test themselves at home. So how to use the test strips? Let's take a look at the correct operation method of AIDS test strips.

1. HIV test strips gradually become the first choice after high risk

In recent years, with the intensification of AIDS prevention propaganda, more and more people have mastered AIDS prevention knowledge and have a positive and scientific understanding of AIDS, which has taken us one step closer to zero AIDS. At the same time, some people who have engaged in high-risk behaviors have fallen into AIDS phobia.

According to data, since 2010, more and more people who are afraid of AIDS have chosen to test themselves for AIDS using AIDS test strips. Most people can get rid of their fear after 8-12 weeks of testing, and a small number of people can reduce their psychological pressure to a minimum through self-testing, accumulate enough courage, and bravely go to the hospital or CDC three months later and finally get rid of their fear.

2. Improper operation may affect accuracy

Commonly used HIV test strips, such as Aicon, Abbott, and Aivita, have a sensitivity and specificity of over 99%, and the accuracy of a single test is over 99%, but incorrect operation may affect the accuracy.

Some dealers or individuals have only a vague understanding of HIV test strips or even no knowledge at all. During the sales process, they cannot provide correct operating instructions or even provide misleading instructions, resulting in a reduction in accuracy.

3. Notes on correct operation

1. In terms of selection, you should give priority to big brands and multi-brand combinations

Different brands of test strips have different detection principles. A combination of multiple brands is a multi-principle test. If the same results are obtained, the accuracy rate is higher. Recommended brands include Acon, Abbott, and Aivita.

2. Buffer fluid should be differentiated

The two blood test strips, Aicon and Abbott, are often combined together, but their buffer solutions should be distinguished and not mixed.

When testing with whole blood, buffer should be used. It is a mistake not to use buffer in order to improve accuracy.

3. There are tricks to sampling

When using blood test strips to draw blood, you should pay attention to the following:

① Keep your hands clean, preferably with hot water;

② Gently shake your hands to let the blood fall onto your fingertips;

③ Choose the left or right hand according to personal habit, and puncture the tip or side of the middle finger. It is not recommended to puncture the fingertip, because it is easier to form blood beads for adding samples;

④ Disinfect your fingers with alcohol cotton before and after blood collection.

When using oral test paper for sampling, please note:

①After brushing your teeth, wait 30 minutes before sampling;

② For multiple consecutive tests, you should also wait for 30 minutes for each sampling;

③ When sampling, rub the gum line with moderate force to avoid scratching the gums and causing bleeding.

4. Pay attention when adding samples

① Add enough blood to dye the reaction pad red and thoroughly, about 1 drop the size of a mung bean;

②After adding blood, wait for the blood to seep into the reaction pad before adding buffer solution. The time interval is about 1 minute;

③After adding the buffer solution, pay attention to observe the test strip detection area to see if there is any sign of liquid loss. If there is no sign of liquid loss for more than 1 minute, add a drop of buffer solution and use a pipette to gently stir the liquid on the reaction pad until the liquid loss occurs.

5. Treat the test results correctly

① A positive result does not represent the final result and requires further confirmation;

②A negative result should ensure that the testing time exceeds the window period prescribed by the state.