Saliva mixture used for new HIV exams

A new form of HIV testing is available to needle-fearing University students and local residents.

OraSure is specially designed to detect the presence of HIV antibodies in a fluid called oral mucosal transudate (OMT), which is mixed with saliva, said Paul Bartush, coordinator of education for The AIDS Project.

"It's a noninvasive method of extracting a different fluid," Bartush said.

According to OraSure's web site, a collection pad is placed between the cheek and lower gums for about two minutes to gather a specimen. The sample is then inserted into a vial and shipped to a laboratory for testing.

As with blood testing, oral testing has restrictions, Bartush said. OraSure cannot detect HIV during the six-month window period, when the antibodies are still being produced, he said.

OraSure results take about two weeks to return, said Brent Frank, office manager and testing administrator for The AIDS Project.

- Paul Bartush, education coordinator for The AIDS Project

"(OraSure) is easier and I'd choose it over a blood test," said Kelly Srodes (senior-kinesiology).

However, the accuracy of OraSure is a concern for some, since HIV cannot be transmitted through saliva, said Maya Leggett (junior-biology).

"Looking for (antibodies) in saliva is something new," she said.

Testing with OraSure has been proved 99.97 percent accurate, Bartush said, noting that mistakes can be made with any form of testing.

The new form of testing has a solid reputation, said Elaine Jurs, assistant director of the office of health promotion and education for the HIV Antibody Testing and Counseling Service located in Ritenour Building.

"I've heard very good things . . . I believe I would be happy to have OraSure here," Jurs said.

OraSure may eventually replace blood testing at the HIV Antibody Testing and Counseling Service, she said. One of the major benefits of OraSure, in addition to eliminating needles, is the flexibility it offers, Frank said. Test counselors can perform tests at any time or location, which increases the number of tests The AIDS Project can complete, he said.

The AIDS Project offers client-centered testing to students and community members who are at some risk of HIV infection, Bartush said. When calling for an appointment, an individual's risk level is determined before the initial appointment is scheduled, he said.

"I'd say the majority of people have some risk," Bartush said. "We create a dialogue around that risk and answer more questions."

Counseling is given at the initial and the follow-up appointments by volunteer students and community members trained by Bartush.

"Our goal is certainly that people will leave here better informed," Frank said.