What is HIV Self Test?


What is an HIV self-test?
An HIV self-test (or rapid self-test) is an antibody test that can be used at home or
in a private location. With an HIV self-test, you can get your test results within 20
minutes.

hiv self test

How do I find an HIV self-test?
You can buy an HIV self-test at a pharmacy or online. Your local health department or another organization near you may offer free or reduced cost self-tests, which you can find using the locator below. The only FDA-approved HIV self-test currently available in the United States is an oral fluid test.

How do I use an HIV self-test?
Read the instructions included in the test kit before you start.icon of someone taking an HIV self-test. For an HIV self-test, you must swab your gums to collect an oral fluid sample and then test your sample.

Your results will be ready within 20 minutes.
If you don’t follow the directions as described, the test may not work. There is a
phone number included with the HIV self-test if you need help using the test.You should always interpret HIV self-test results according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Learn more about what a negative or positive test result means.If the HIV self-test is invalid, then the test did not work. You will need to use another HIV self-test, use a mail-in HIV test, or find testing at a health care provider or testing center.

What is the HIV window period?
The window period for an HIV test refers to the time between HIV exposure and when a test can detect HIV in your body. The window period depends on the type of HIV test used.

What is the window period for the HIV test I took?
Antibody tests can usually detect HIV 23 to 90 days after exposure. Most rapid tests and self-tests are antibody tests.

A rapid antigen/antibody test done with blood from a finger stick can usually detect. HIV 18 to 90 days after exposure.

An antigen/antibody lab test using blood from a vein can usually detect HIV 18 to 45
days after exposure.

A nucleic acid test (NAT) can usually detect HIV 10 to 33 days after exposure.

The window period for various HIV tests varies.