At home HIV test kit

What is a HIV blood test used for?

The kit tests for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).

We use a 5th generation HIV test - one of the most sensitive tests that is currently available. The blood sample that you provide will be tested for:

• HIV p24 antigen (protein found in the HIV cell)
• HIV-1 antibodies (made by your body to fight HIV-1)
• HIV-2 antibodies (made by your body to fight HIV-2)

Antigens (protein found in the HIV cell) and antibodies (made by your body to fight HIV) are detectable at different stages of HIV infection.

If you are unsure whether you need this test, you can take our free STI assessment.

What is the required sample for HIV test?

You will need to produce a blood sample using a small finger pricking device, contained within the kit. You will only need to produce a small amount of blood and it shouldn't hurt. Full instructions are contained within the test kit and you can view them here.

When should you test for HIV?

The 'window period' is the time period between potential exposure to HIV e.g. sex without a condom, and the point when the test will give you an accurate result.

Tests done too early may not be accurate.

The HIV blood test is unlikely to detect HIV if you have contracted it in the last 45 days. However, if you are worried about a specific risk within the last 45 days, you should still do the test, but we recommend that you purchase another test to do 45 days after the last exposure.

Accessing your HIV blood test results

Test results are normally ready within 3 working days from your sample arriving at our partner laboratory. When your result is ready, you will receive a text and an email advising you to log in to your account.

If your HIV result is 'reactive' (i.e. potentially positive) or indeterminate, we will phone you to discuss these results with you. If we cannot get through, we will send you a message to your account asking to arrange a telephone consultation as soon as possible. We may also need to contact you if your sample is labelled incorrectly.

How to use your at home HIV blood test

Read the instructions included in the HIV blood test kit before you start.

1. Collect your samples following the instructions
2. Complete and detach the enclosed form
3. Return your samples in the box, seal it and post them

How to take a HIV test

Watch the video for a step-by-step guide for using the lancet to collect a blood sample to send back to the lab for testing.

How do I read my HIV test results?

This test will give you 1 of 2 results:

Reactive

This means that there is a possibility that you have HIV. We will provide a breakdown of which parts of the test have come back positive. However, the test might have simply reacted with a flu or cold virus and you will need to have further tests. A reactive result does NOT mean that you definitely have HIV but that does meant you need further tests.

Negative

This means that there are no signs of HIV in this sample. If you have not been exposed to HIV within the last 45 days, you don't need to do anything else.

How accurate is a HIV blood test?

This test is very accurate at telling you if you have HIV or not.

But no test is 100% accurate but it should pick up HIV if it is done at the correct time. If you think you have contracted HIV in the last 45 days, you should still do the test as it might pick up the infection but you should do another test 45 days after the potential exposure.

If you are in any doubt, we advise that you go to your nearest sexual health clinic, or visit your GP.

Description provided by LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor.