Posted 26 September 2022
Can you get home HIV test kits?
HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system, this makes it harder for your body to fight any infections. If you feel that you may have been exposed, it is important to know your HIV status. It will help you make informed decisions to keep you and your partner, or partners, safe and healthy.
Yes, you can purchase HIV test kits online where you can test and get your result at home. Also, clinics/local health departments offer tests at a low price or even for free.
HIV Home Self-Test Kits
Can you get HIV test kits at a pharmacy?
Some pharmacies do have HIV test kits but are mainly available to order online.
Can HIV be detected in saliva?
Yes, with the new test OraQuick, HIV can be detected in saliva. (1)
BioSure HIV Self-Test
BioSure have now introduced a new HIV Home Self-Test Kit that is a mouth swab.
Just a simple and pain free swab of your gums. Just swipe, dip and you’re done.
No blood. No lab. No questions.
Be assured that it has a valid CE mark.
OraQuick HIV test
OraQuick is the only ‘in-home’ HIV self test approved by the MHRA and is CE marked. It is quick and easy to use, just three simple steps to complete the test. It is an oral swab test so blood free as no needles are necessary. It allows you to be completely confidential as the test can be carried out when and wherever you want. OraQuick is supplied by Biosure and they have a team available to you to offer support every step of the way. (2)
How quickly do I get the results from an HIV saliva test?
Once the test has been carried out, your results will be ready in 20 minutes.
How accurate are HIV saliva tests?
When used correctly, the test has a 99.9% accuracy for positive results and 99.8% accuracy for negative results. (3)
How long does it take for HIV to show up on a saliva test?
It takes 3 months for HIV to show up on a saliva test (confirmed with OraQuick). (4)
What is the OraQuick window period?
HIV can show up in as little as 28 days but it can take up to 12 weeks to produce a positive result if the body has not produced enough antibodies to HIV. Therefore, if you test before 12 weeks from potential exposure then you would need to test again after 12 weeks to confirm your result. (5)
HIV Home Self-Test Kits
References
- (1) OraQuick htps://uk.oraquick.com/faq (cited Sept 2022)
- (2) OraQuick htps://uk.oraquick.com/support (cited Sept 2022)
- (3) Biosure htps://hivselftest.co.uk (cited Sept 2022)
- (4) OraQuick htps://uk.oraquick.com/support (cited Sept 2022)
- (5) Biosure htps://hivselftest.co.uk (cited Sept 2022)
Author: Rebecca Johnstone
Medically reviewed by: Superintendent pharmacist Margaret Hudson BSc(Hons)MRPharmS 26/09/22
Posted in Sexual Health