Description
A private, blood-free way to check your HIV status
If you want to take an HIV test without a finger prick or blood collection, OraQuick HIV Self-Test provides a simpler option.
The test uses oral fluid collected by gently swabbing your upper and lower gums. The device is then placed into the supplied developer vial and the result is read at 20 minutes.
No blood collection required
One of OraQuick’s biggest advantages is the collection method.
There is no lancet, needle or blood sample. Simply use the flat pad on the test device to swab the outer gums once along the upper gum and once along the lower gum.
Test privately at home
OraQuick is designed for self-testing, allowing you to carry out the initial test privately rather than having a sample collected for you.
Detects antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2
OraQuick is a qualitative antibody test that looks for antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2 in oral fluid.
A positive or reactive self-test result is preliminary and must be confirmed through additional testing by a healthcare professional.
Understand the three-month window period
OraQuick detects antibodies rather than detecting every very recent infection immediately.
If a possible HIV exposure occurred within the previous three months, a negative result may not rule out infection. Follow the instructions supplied with the kit and seek professional testing when appropriate.
One kit means one test
Each OraQuick device is single use.
If two people want to test, you need two kits.
Do not attempt to reuse or share the same device.
How it works
OraQuick uses a lateral-flow immunoassay to detect HIV antibodies in oral fluid.
The test device collects oral fluid from the gums. Once inserted into the developer vial, the sample travels through the test strip.
A visible C control line confirms that the test has run correctly.
The presence or absence of the T test line determines how the result should be interpreted.
How to use
1. Prepare
Do not eat or drink for at least 15 minutes before testing.
Do not use toothpaste, mouthwash or other oral-care products for at least 30 minutes beforehand.
Remove dentures or anything covering your gums.
2. Prepare the developer vial
Open the pouch containing the developer vial.
Remove the cap without pouring out or drinking the liquid.
Place the vial securely into the supplied stand.
3. Open the test device
Remove the test device from its pouch.
Do not touch the flat collection pad.
Discard the preservative packet. It is not used during testing.
4. Swab your gums
Press the flat pad against the outer gum.
Swab once along the upper gum.
Then swab once along the lower gum.
Do not repeatedly swab the same areas.
5. Insert the device
Place the flat pad into the developer vial until it reaches the bottom.
6. Wait 20 minutes
Leave the device in the vial.
Read the result at 20 minutes.
Do not read before 20 minutes or after 40 minutes.
The manufacturer confirms this collection and reading process.
Understanding the result
Negative
One line beside C and no line beside T
The test is interpreted as negative.
However, infection acquired within the previous three months may not yet be detected.
Preliminary positive/reactive
One line beside C and another complete line beside T
Even a faint complete T line should be treated as a preliminary positive/reactive result.
Seek additional testing from a trained healthcare professional or HIV testing facility to confirm your HIV status.
Invalid
The test is invalid if:
- there is no C control line
- the lines are incomplete
- the result window cannot be clearly interpreted
Use another test or visit an appropriate testing facility.
What is included
- OraQuick HIV test device
- Developer vial
- Test stand
- Instructions for use
- Disposal bag
- Preservative packet inside the device pouch, which is discarded before testing
Storage & care
Keep the test sealed until you are ready to use it.
Do not use the kit if:
- the package has been opened or damaged
- a required component is missing
- the printed expiry date has passed
- the test has been exposed to household cleaning chemicals
Follow the storage temperature printed on the specific pack supplied.
FAQ
- Can two people use one OraQuick HIV Self-Test?
No. One OraQuick kit is for one test and one person only. If two people want to test, purchase two kits. - Does OraQuick require blood?
No. OraQuick uses oral fluid collected by swabbing the upper and lower gums. - How long does the OraQuick test take?
Read the test at 20 minutes. Do not interpret it before 20 minutes or after 40 minutes. - Is OraQuick a saliva test?
It is more accurately described as an oral-fluid test. The flat pad is swabbed along the gums to collect the sample. - Does a positive result mean I definitely have HIV?
No. A positive/reactive OraQuick self-test is preliminary. Additional testing by a trained healthcare professional is required to confirm HIV status. - Can OraQuick detect a very recent HIV infection?
Not necessarily. The test may not detect an infection acquired within the previous three months because it detects antibodies. - Is OraQuick reusable?
No. The test is single use. - Is OraQuick registered with NAFDAC?
Yes. NAFDAC Greenbook currently lists OraQuick HIV Self-Test under 03-7073 with active registration.













