title: The testing of saliva samples for HIV-1 antibodies: reliability in a non-clinic setting.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the reliability of saliva samples as a means of testing for HIV-antibodies outside clinic settings.
  
  
  METHODS
  Men taking part in a non-clinic longitudinal study of homosexually active men provided samples of saliva and blood. Sera were screened using a competitive ELISA (Wellcozyme) and positive sera were confirmed by an indirect ELISA (Abbott). Saliva samples were screened either using an IgG captive radioimmunoassay or an amplified ELISA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 534 paired saliva and blood samples were tested. Overall sensitivity was 96.2% and specificity was 100%. None of the saliva tests were falsely positive for HIV-1 antibodies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  HIV-1 saliva tests can reliably be used in a non-clinic or field setting. However, if results are to be given to respondents, it is necessary to offer adequate counselling and consider the mechanisms for referral and follow-up for those that are found to be HIV-1 antibody positive.
authors.affiliation: Dulwich Hospital PHLS, London, UK.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Hunt
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Connell
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Christofinis
authors.forename: J V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Parry
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Weatherburn
authors.forename: F C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Hickson
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Coxon
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: McManus
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sutherland
mesh_terms: D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D012463:Saliva / Q000276:immunology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D015483:HIV Antibodies