3 Ways to Use a Home HIV Testing Kit

1. Getting Started With the Home HIV Test kit

Many people still won't go to their own doctor to be tested for HIV. The reasons are many, but generally it's because you don't want to include HIV testing in your medical record, you may not have a personal doctor or you may fear local reaction to being tested for HIV. Using a home HIV test kit makes more sense than not getting tested at all. The home test kit can be purchased online, over the phone or in a local pharmacy. You can buy a single test kit or a double test kit. Because it may take months for your body to produce HIV antibodies, two tests are recommended for an accurate diagnosis if a new infection is suspected.

2. How to use the Home HIV Testing Kit

The HIV home test kit comes with a unique code number that is assigned only to your test kit. Because the HIV test is totally confidential, you never have to give your name. The code is used to identify you to the lab for the blood test and the results. After you buy the home test kit, call the toll free phone number to register your unique code. The kit comes with a complete instruction book and you can go online to watch a video that shows the collection process. A lancet is provided in the kit so you can puncture your skin and obtain the blood sample. Place the collected blood on the card and send it to the lab according to the directions. Depending on the type of test you've bought, the results will be available anywhere from the next day to one week later. The Express test is done using overnight mail and is more expensive. When it's time to retrieve your results, you call the toll free number again and enter your code number. If at any time you need help, call the toll free number and they'll walk you through the process or answer any questions you may have.

3. Buy an FDA Approved HIV Test Kit

The FDA has approved only one home HIV test kit to be used by the general public. The FDA approved kit is made by Home Access Health, Inc. The FDA is warning the public that only one home test kit is approved by them and to beware of false claims. The FDA approved test kit provides counseling throughout the process and helps interpret results, is totally private and confidential throughout the whole process and offers real human beings to answer questions. The lab has an accuracy rate of 99.9 percent and is FDA approved, CLIA certified and CAP accredited. Because your life and future are on the line, it pays to use the right lab and test for something so important.