HIV testing in 60 seconds!

Unbelievable! But true.
FDA has recently approved a new rapid test for diagnosis of HIV infection.  INSTI™ HIV-1 Antibody Test is a  single use rapid test for the detection of HIV antibodies developed by BioLytical Laboratories of Canada. The newly approved test provides results in as little as 60 seconds. This test works by the detection of antibodies to Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) in human venipuncture whole blood, fingerstick blood, or plasma specimens.

Rapid HIV tests allow people to learn their HIV status in a single visit, instead of returning days later for results.

Rapid testing also helps increase access to HIV testing because testing can be performed outside of the traditional laboratory setting. Individuals who undergo testing can be counseled immediately concerning their HIV status and, if they are positive, given the opportunity to enter medical care.

It is highly sensitive [The overall sensitivity for the different sample types: 99.8% (95% CI = 99.3% - 99.9%) in fingerstick whole blood, 99.9% (95% CI = 99.5% - 100%) in venipuncture whole blood, 99.9% (95% CI = 99.5% - 100%) in plasma] and specific [The overall specificity for the different samples types: 99.5% (95% CI = 99.0% - 99.8) in fingerstick whole blood, 100% (95% CI = 99.7% - 100%) in venipuncture whole blood, 100% (95% CI = 99.7% - 100%) in plasma] for the detection of antibodies to HIV-1.

But heres a word of CAUTION- The assay is not intended to be used for screening of blood donors.