Welcome to the Forum and thanks for your question.  I'll be glad to comment.

In general, the results of 4th generation HIV antigen/antibody tests such as are performed using the Alere finger-stick blood tests are absolutely comparable to the results of the same test performed on venous blood obtained through a needle stick. Both fingerstick and venous blood tests test serum/plasma, the difference is how the tests obtain the serum/plasma for testing- with venous blood the blood is allowed to clot making it easier to access the serum while in the finger stick, the test itself does the separation before the blood has clotted (I won't go further into the mechanisms, it's too complex and irrelevant).  From personal experience, I can also tell you that despite the anticipatory dislike of needles, when all is done and said, I find having venous blood drawn less uncomfortable and more reliable (i.e. less need for 2nd sticks) than finger sticks.  Obviously this is personal experience but....

Even though you have not asked, I would also add that, in general, we prefer and recommend blood tests over the oral fluid tests as, particularly in the first month or two following exposure, the blood tests outperform the oral fluid tests. 

I hope this information is helpful.  If there are further questions, please feel free to use your up to two follow-ups for clarification.  EWH

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That is indeed something i did not know!  When you read the product insert for Alere Determine 4th generation test they show sensitivity for three specimen types: serum, plasma and finger stick whole blood — so i assumed the test when using fingers stick whole blood did not use serum or plasma.   Indeed this is confusing.  

Also, this may be repetitive, but is there any advantage I am not considering to the patient being tested to have vein blood draw versus finger stick whole blood when using 4th generation rapid or lab based tests?

Thanks for your follow-up.  I agree that the information provided is confusing. 

Finger stick tests are in the general category of "point of care" tests which can provide results while a the person being tested is present, typically taking about 30 minutes to provide while the venous blood tests need to be sent to the lab for testing. while for the patient getting results while present is convenient and desirable, the processing and time for the test to be performed slows down patient flow/throughput and is more costly than the lab-based tests 9more costly both for the test itself and in terms of the time it takes to run the test).  Thus depending on the level of concern and importance of immediate results to both the patient and the health care provider, in some situations have the results in 30 minutes is worth the extra cost.

Results for the different specimen types are shown more for the consideration of the persons deciding what tests to perform, and on what than for the persons being tested.  It sometimes is helpful to go back and be able to use the point of care test on a blood or plasma specimen that was obtained in the past. 

these are the major differences between the two types of tests- their results are comparable. 

Hope this clarifies things.  EWH

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Thank you I think that really helps except two things:

Yes, any person can expect the same results, irrespective of whether they are tested with a finger stick or lab based tests.

There is no advantage to one test type over the other.  They will give the same result.

I hope these comments help.  We provide up to three responses to each client for each question. This is my 3rd response. Thus, as per Forum guidelines, this thread will be closed shortly without further response.  Take care.  Have confidence in your test results.  EWH

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