Test time

U.S. should encourage the use of rapid HIV tests

Of the many rapid HIV blood tests that have been developed, only one is currently available for use in the United States, and most Americans are not aware of its existence. Reservations of doctors about its reliability and accuracy, and federal guidelines and restrictions for marketing have kept such tests from coming into wider use. But the Center for Disease Control has been pushing for this to change since the advantages for further development, availability and use of rapid HIV testing are so great.

Whereas the rapid blood tests are able to provide results in less than an hour, the most widely used standard tests take more than a full week. Aside from the inconvenience and worry this amount of time incurs, it slows the process of treatment for HIV-positive patients and may even deter many patients from returning for their results.

Rapid tests will still require as much time as standard tests for positive viral traces to be detected in blood, but they could potentially lead to earlier preemptive treatment and therapy once the patient has tested positive. This could prevent further damage to the immune system as well as reduce the possibilities for further transmission. Rapid testing would immediately benefit specialized clinics and could later help with epidemiological studies. Rapid testing could also attract more patients who would otherwise not choose to deal with the hassle of going for a test in the first place or having to return a week later for the results.

Rapid blood tests are already widely used in many other countries where the market and demand for them are greater. The results of single or combined use of rapid tests in such countries have proven to be as reliable as standard laboratory tests in this country. The accuracy of all HIV tests does need to be perfected, but assuming quality performance, rapid tests present many advantages over their slower counterparts. So if it is not because of quality issues that rapid tests are not used here, and no other disadvantages have been shown, there is no reason for them to be less accessible than standard lab tests. In the past, the United States has often been slow to accept the use of new drugs and treatments to fight AIDS - a trend that could potentially threaten lives.

The Food and Drug Administration should do as much as possible to ensure that any procedures or treatments that can help AIDS victims are made available to the American public. Awareness about the disease itself has already been heightened through education and publicity; information has been obtained through research and study. It is only logical, therefore, that more action be taken through better development and marketing of existing tests so that a greater number of people will be aware and informed about their condition and their medical options. Rapid HIV blood testing is only one step, but it is a step that needs to be taken quickly since it could very possibly lead to other steps of greater import in the future.

03-30-98