How To Take An HIV Home Test
HIV testing is now easier than ever with the HIV Home Test. Learn what you need to buy, when to take the test and all the steps you need to get you tested and ready for a healthier lifestyle.
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You Will Need
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Step 1:
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Hold On
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It might seem logical to be tested as soon as possible. But not in this case. Most doctors recommend waiting three months from the time of exposure before testing for H.I.V. That's because it takes 3 weeks to 3 months before antibodies can be detected on a test.
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Step 2:
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Buy A Kit
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After the 3 month window period, you'll need to buy a test kit. There are over a dozen different HIV home test kits on the market. But only the "Home Access" brand kits are FDA approved and legally sold in the U.S.
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Step 3:
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Read The Inserts
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The inserts inside the box include testing instructions, HIV and AIDS information and an informed consent form. So read all of the inserts. And don't skip pages.
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Step 4:
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Register
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In the front of the test box is a blood sample collection card. The collection card has your individual Home Access Number. Your test results will be tracked using this unique number, instead of your name. Tear off the code number at the perforation and keep the bottom half. Register by calling the 800 number listed on the card. Be sure to hold on to your card, as you'll need it to obtain your results.
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Step 5:
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Scrub Up
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You're about to give a blood sample from your finger, and you don't want to contaminate it.
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Step 6:
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Lay It Out
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Take out the blood sample collection card, sterile gauze, band aid, alcohol pad, and lancet and lay them all out on the table in front of you.
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Step 7:
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Prep Your Finger
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Use the alcohol prep pad to clean the tip of the finger you plan to puncture. Dry the finger with the gauze pad. Now give your hands a good 30 second shake to get the blood flowing so you can get ready for the lancet.
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Step 8:
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The Lancet
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Carefully remove the clear safety cap from the lancet. Be careful not to touch the red button on top of the lancet. Place your fingertip over the red button of the lancet, and push down firmly. This activates the needle.
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Step 9:
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Give Blood
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Put your finger over the blood sample collection card and squeeze your fingertip. Let the drops hit the paper, side by side, until the collection circle is completely filled.
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Step 10:
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Clean Up
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Clean your finger with the alcohol pad, then use the bandage. Put the clear cap back on the lancet and dispose of it properly.
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Step 11:
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The Wait
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You have to wait 30 minutes for your blood sample to dry before you can mail it off.
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Step 12:
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Mail Time
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You must mail the card the same day you take the test. Write your home access code number and collection date on the back of your blood sample collection card. There will be a plastic return pouch inside the box. Place the blood sample collection card inside the pouch and place the pouch into the pre-paid envelope.
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Step 13:
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Results
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Seven days later, your results are in. Take out your saved portion of the blood collection card. Dial the company telephone number and enter your home access code. A counselor can tell you your test results and answer your questions Monday through Friday 7 am to 7 pm CST.
