The testing of saliva samples for HIV-1 antibodies: reliability in a non-clinic setting.
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.
Hunt
A J
AJ
Dulwich Hospital PHLS, London, UK.
Connell
J
J
Christofinis
G
G
Parry
J V
JV
Weatherburn
P
P
Hickson
F C
FC
Coxon
A P
AP
Davies
P M
PM
McManus
T J
TJ
Sutherland
S
S
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
D015483:HIV Antibodies