CANOGA PARK, Calif. — APHSS.org has announced that it will accept two different brands of HIV tests because of concerns raised over what type of HIV tests are acceptable and appropriate for monthly performer screenings.
For years, the industry utilized PCR-DNA as the off-label standard HIV test for performers.
But AHPSS says that after considerable research and contact with infectious disease specialists, pathologists and physicians, it has identified two tests that best meet the needs of the performer population — Aptima HIV-1 RNA Qualitative Assay and the Abbot RealTime HIV 1 Assay.
The Aptima HIV-1 RNA Qualitative test is approved by the FDA for diagnosis and detection of acute (early) HIV infection.
The Abbot RealTime HIV 1 Assay is FDA-approved for determining viral load.
“After speaking with a number of medical professionals, it was clear to us that both tests will be a significant improvement over the PCR-DNA,” FSC Executive Director Diane Duke said. “Some of the experts prefer the Abbot test and some prefer the Aptima test. All agreed that both tests are effective for our purposes.”
For some HIV tests, the “window period” — the time between the point of infection until the virus is detectable — has decreased to as little as 9 to 11 days, said Duke, noting the tests have become increasingly sensitive, thus increasing the accuracy of test results. Both the Abbot and Aptima tests have the 9-to-11 day window.
Beginning May 15, all APHSS testing sites will utilize either the Abbot or Aptima PCR RNA tests.
For more information on APHSS.org or performer testing, contact diane@freespeechcoalition.com.
