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HIV is concern of nearly all sexually-active men and women. Many people prefer the privacy and anonymity of home testing rather than going to a clinic for HIV testing. These sexual health FAQs address some of the important features of HIV home testing.
AVAILABILITY HIV HOME TESTING
Q. Is there really a home HIV test and how can I get one?
A. As of the time of publication, there is only one FDA-approved home HIV test, the Home Access HIV-1 Test System. This product can be purchased at drugstores and online. HIV home test kits are not like home pregnancy tests because you don't actually perform the test at home. You collect a blood sample at home and send it to a laboratory for testing. Each kit has a unique code number that you use to get your test result from a trained HIV counselor. With the express kit, your test results are available one business day after shipping; with the regular kit, your test results are available in approximately one week.
If you do an Internet search, you'll find many HIV home testing kits available for purchase other than the Home Access kit. These illegal products are not approved by the FDA and, therefore, the test results may not be accurate.
ACCURACY HIV HOME TESTS
Q. How accurate are HIV home tests?
A. According to the an article published in the "Archives of Internal Medicine," the Home Access test has proven to be more than 99.9 percent accurate. The reported study compared the results of the Home Access blood spot test with results from venous blood samples collected by trained professionals. According to CDC, if it is six months after you could have been exposed to HIV and your test results are negative, you can feel confident that you truly are HIV-negative.
HOW HIV HOME TESTS WORK
Q. How do the HIV home tests work?
A. The Home Access HIV test is completely anonymous and confidential. Counseling is offered both before you send your blood sample and after you receive your results. The kit includes a sterile device you use to prick your finger; you then collect your blood on a test card provided in the kit. You mail your blood sample to the testing laboratory using the prepaid shipping pouch provided. When you call to get your test results, a counselor will answer any questions you have and provide you with information about HIV services in your area. Whether advising you about HIV prevention or helping you find a local doctor, the counselors are available 24 hours a day to provide you with the information you need. Counseling is offered in Spanish and English.
HIV HOME TEST RESULTS
Q. What do I do if my HIV test is positive/negative?
A. If you test positive for HIV, speak with the counselor immediately to make sure you have the information you need. They can direct you to local counselors and doctors, and answer any questions you may have. If you test negative, continue -- or begin -- to practice safe sex.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; HIV Testing Basics for Consumers; April 2010
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Testing Yourself for HIV-1 Questions and Answers; June 2009
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; Anonymous HIV Testing Using Home Collection and Telemedicine Counseling. A Multicenter Evaluation; A.P. Frank, et al.; February 1997
