HIV Home Tests
Q - What are HIV home tests?
A - These are HIV tests that involve doing part or all of the testing process at home.
Q - What types are available?
A - I'd like to discuss them in 2 groups:
- HIV Home Access Express Test produced by Home Access Health Corporation USA
- HIV home-use test kits.
Q - What is the difference between these 2 HIV home tests?
A - The HIV Home Access Express test requires an individual to take a blood sample on a filter strip and mail it to a lab where the actual test is done. These Home-use HIV test kits allow an individual to carry out the full test at home. The reliability of these Home-use tests is still in question.
Q - How do they work?
A - Home-use tests are rapid tests that you can do at home and get your result within 1 hour. Home access tests use a double ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays) -- or EIA (Enzyme Immuno Assay)as some call it-- and if positive it's confirmed by an IFA (Immuno fluorescent Antibody test). These tests are done in the lab and results are ready in 3 to 7 days.
Q - How reliable are they?
A - The Home Access Express Tests are reliable as they have been reported to have a high specificity and sensitivity.
The other home-use test kits are generally regarded as not reliable and the US FDA even issued a warning on the un-reliability of these kits1.
Q - Can I take the test anonymously?
A - Yes! You are given an anonymous code which you use to mail the blood sample to the lab for the test and also to receive your results by a phone call. Counseling is available at any time during the testing process or when getting the result.
Q - Where can I get HIV home tests?
A - You can get them from most pharmacies and drug stores in the US. It can also be purchased at reputable online pharmacies. Talk to your health care provider to know which reliable HIV home tests are available locally.
Q - If the test is positive what can I do?
A - You should visit your health care provider or a counselling and treatment centre as soon as possible.
1 - Food and Drug Administration's warning on HIV home tests.
Created - August, 2006
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