oraquick hiv self test (mouth swab)

The OraQuick® HIV Self-Test is a private, and accurate way to test for HIV in your own home. It is the same test preferred by many healthcare professionals worldwide. The OraQuick® HIV Self-Test uses oral fluid to check for HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies. It can give you results in about 20 minutes, and if you follow the instructions carefully the test can detect the virus in over 99% percent of people who are infected with HIV. Because the test is a "screening" test, it is always advised to have a second test to confirm your results. The OraQuick® HIV Self-Test should only be used to test for HIV, and should not be used for other purposes. 

An HIV antibody test detects the cells that the body's immune (defence) system creates in response to HIV infection. When HIV enters the body, the body starts to produce antibodies. In the case of HIV, the antibodies can't fight off the infection. But, their presence can be used to tell whether a person has HIV in his or her body. Most HIV tests detect the presence of HIV antibodies, not the virus itself.

Oral fluid HIV tests are very accurate. In studies, the OraQuick® HIV Self-Test detected 100 percent of people who were infected with HIV(sensitivity) and 99.8 percent of people who were not infected with HIV(specificity). If you have more questions about oral fluid HIV tests, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider. He or she can help you figure out the best test for you.

The OraQuick® HIV Self-Test can give you accurate results 3 months from exposure. Most people will develop antibodies to HIV within this period of time. If you test within 3 months of possible exposure and the result is negative, you may want to repeat the test at least 3 months after the possible exposure. Ninety-seven (97) percent of people develop antibodies within the first 3 months after infection. In rare cases, it can take up to 6 months. If there is a need to test sooner, please contact a healthcare professional in your area.

Step 1: Swab

Place the flat pad above the teeth against the outer gum. Gently swab completely around the outer gums, both upper and lower, one time around, using the Flat Pad.

Step 2: Insert

Insert Flat Pad of device into the bottom of Developer Vial. 

Start timing the test, 20 minutes.

Step 3: Read

Pink fluid will travel up to "T" and "C" result window. Fluid disappears as the test develops. Read at 20 minutes. **Read results after 20 minutes but not later than 40 minutes.

In addition to the step-by-step instructions included with your OraQuick HIV Self-Test, our video can help guide you through taking the test in a few short minutes.

• Results in 20 minutes!
  Follow the test directions carefully to get an accurate result.

• Do not eat or drink for at
  least 15 minutes before you start the test.

• Do not use mouth cleaning
  products 30 minutes before you start the test.

Interpreting the test is very simple. The below information explains how to tell when a test is negative or positive. Knowing your HIV status is an important part of your overall health. Regardless of your status, there are options for prevention and treatment to help keep you healthy. When performing a test, please refer to the package insert, inclusive of the warnings and precautions.

If there's one line next to the "C" and no line next to the "T", your result is negative.

If there are two complete lines, one next to the "C" and any line next to the "T"—even a faint line—you may have HIV.

If your result is negative and if it has been at least 3 months since you have had a risk event and you have followed the directions carefully, then you likely do not have HIV.

If your test result is negative and you engage in activities that put you at risk for HIV, you should test regularly.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that HIV is preventable. Understanding how you can avoid getting HIV is important to protect yourself and your partner(s).

If your result is positive, there are a couple of important things you should do next.
A clinic or healthcare professional must confirm your test result with a venous blood sample.
There are also some things that you should know about HIV that may ease some of the stress or confusion that you may be feeling:

With new treatments, many people who are HIV-positive continue to live long and active lives. They are also able to have normal relationships with HIV-negative individuals without the risk of infecting them with the virus. Ongoing research is finding better ways to treat HIV nearly every day. The key is to identify the infection as early as possible before irreparable damage is done.

England

Northern Ireland

Scotland

Wales

Worried about your result? Questions about HIV self-testing, HIV, or AIDS? Reach out to the NHS Sexual Health helpline: 0300 123 7123

For questions about OraQuick HIV Self-Test, or to report any problems or adverse effects, please contact OraQuick on 0845 475 6725