Rapid HIV tests

Standard tests for HIV infection have a number of characteristics that prolong turnaround time and that are felt to impair the public health response to HIV infection. New rapid tests have been developed that may address some of these issues. Although these tests have been FDA approved, the amount of scientific data available to prove their accuracy is limited. There are perceptions about the situations in which rapid testing should be of most value, and they appear to be well received by patients. Further scientific study is needed to truly understand the extent to which these tests should be implemented and in which clinical settings.