Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Did I adequately swab my gums for the oraquick test?

I just took the oraquick test today at home. I swabbed the top and bottom of my gums but only the left side of my mouth on both. I was anxious taking the test and I don't even know why I didn't think the swab the entire top and bottom row. I followed all of the other directions correctly and got a line next to the C and nothing next to the T. Should i take this negative as accurate because the line next to the C still showed up and all?
Thanks for any help
1 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
370181 tn?1716862802
I looked up the OraQuick directions and it says "Gently swipe the test swab along your upper gums once and your lower gums once. Then you insert the swab inside the test tube provided and get your results in just 20 minutes. HIV antibodies from oral fluid are collected through the swab."  Since it did not specifically say to swipe the ENTIRE length of both upper and lower gums, I think you're fine as long as you took a swab from both the upper and lower gum, which you did. There should be an 800# listed in the directions you could call. If you still have the box, check, but I would say your results were accurate.  
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community

Top HIV Answerers
366749 tn?1544695265
Karachi, Pakistan
370181 tn?1716862802
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.