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ORAQuick · How It Works

How HIV
Self-Testing Works

Understand the science, accuracy, and window period behind the ORAQuick oral test.

01

What is the ORAQuick HIV Self-Test?

ORAQuick is an FDA-approved rapid HIV self-test that detects HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies using a simple gum swab — no blood, no needles. You collect a saliva sample from your gums and get a result in 20–40 minutes in complete privacy.

Oral Swab · No Blood Required
02

What Does It Detect?

ORAQuick detects antibodies your immune system produces in response to HIV infection. It does not detect the virus directly, which is why there is a window period between infection and a reliable result.

HIV-1 AntibodiesHIV-2 Antibodies
ℹ

ORAQuick does NOT detect the p24 antigen or viral RNA — it is an antibody-only test.

03

Accuracy (When Used Correctly)

Sensitivity — correctly detects HIV+99.3%
Specificity — correctly rules out HIV−99.8%

A reactive (positive) self-test is NOT a diagnosis. Confirmatory testing at a health facility is required.

ℹ

Real-world home-use sensitivity was 91.7% — lower than lab conditions, underscoring the importance of following instructions carefully.

04

Window Period

After HIV infection, the body takes time to produce detectable antibody levels. Testing too soon may give a false negative result.

D1
Exposure
Wk3
Earliest
Wk6
Reliable
D90
Confirm

Test at 3 months (90 days) after possible exposure for the most reliable result.

How to Use ORAQuick →