Are Home HIV Test Kits Reliable?

The process of getting tested for HIV can build enough anxiety to make anyone reconsider checking their status. Most public clinics and testing centers are cold and impersonal, and definitely not a place to reduce stress or anxiety over the potential outcome. When I'm there, all reasonable thinking goes out the window. I'm left with a nervous flip though ratty waiting room magazines and a mind filled with what-if's and the maybe-I-could-have's. Getting an HIV test isn't the best experience by far; but it's necessary.

The CDC recommends that everyone get tested at least once, but the accepted standard is that gay men test for HIV every three months. Still, the biggest step is actually getting tested. The only thing worse is waiting for the results.

To ease the anxiety and provide greater access to HIV tests, the FDA approved another option for men and women that prefer more comfort and privacy or for those who don't have ready access to HIV testing centers.

In 1996, the agency sanctioned two tests, the "The Home Access HIV-1 Test System" and "The Home Access Express HIV-1 Test System" made by Home Access Health Corporation. These models are the only home HIV testing kits approved by the US government.

What About the Other Home Test Kits?

Some e-shops and sex shops illegally sell other home HIV get kits, but the Home Access Health Corporation kit is the only FDA-approved option. Why is this important? Well, the approved home HIV test kit has been rigorously tested by the FDA for accuracy and acceptable reporting standards. There's no guarantee of the accuracy of non approved tests, even if the box says there is. If the test is not approved then the company hasn't submitted their test to the FDA for verification or worst case, they failed to prove their quality.

The result of the test and the actions you take after is a matter of life or death. Like cancer, early and accurate diagnosis of HIV is crucial to longterm health.

What's In The Kit?

The home HIV test kit is like a visit to the health clinic in a box. It comes with tools to help you take a specimen. Sounds scary, but we'll talk more about that below. The kits also include pre and post counseling and an envelope to return the sample you take at home.

Before you click away at the thought of taking your own specimen, know that it's easier than it sounds. Just place a drop of blood from a simple finger prick onto the special paper supplied in the kit. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully.

The HIV home kit isn't like a home pregnancy test, which shows results in a few minutes. For the HIV test, your blood sample must be mailed back to the laboratory in the envelope provided. You're supplied with a unique pin number as identification and the package is sent anonymously, so no need to give your name.

If you're concerned about who's analyzing your sample, worry not. You're sending the sample to a qualified lab—the same type of labs many clinics and doctors use.

To get your result, call the toll-free number on the package and give the operator your pin number.

How Much Does It Cost?

The price is reasonable considering how much HIV tests cost out-of-pocket at a testing clinic. As of the publishing of this article The Home Access HIV-1 Test System costs $44 (or $77.95 for two kits). A next day express kit will cost you about $106.

What's the Difference Between an HIV Home Test and an AIDS Home Test Kit?

Everyone from the media to the average Joe made a huge mistake in the 80s and 90s when not much was known about HIV and AIDS. For a long time they used the words HIV and AIDS interchangeably—a mistake some continue to make today. The fact is HIV and AIDS aren't the same thing. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. And not all HIV positive people have or will develop AIDS.

HIV tests, like the home kit, are used to diagnose HIV. If the results are positive, a doctor will run more tests to determine how far you are from advancing to AIDS.

Are Home HIV Testing Kits Reliable?

In one word: yes. According to the FDA, "Clinical studies have shown that the FDA approved HIV home collection test system is able to correctly identify 100% of known positive blood samples, and 99.5% of HIV negative blood samples." However, your job isn't done after you get your results.

Gay men and MSM's are at highest risk of getting HIV, so it's important to get tested again in 3 months if you're negative. If the results shows that you're positive, see a doctor immediately for a follow up examination. Be prepared to take several more tests to verify the results.

If Your Home Test Is Positive, Do You Need Medicine?

First, I should point out that HIV home test kits are not total health care plans. They're only tests. Regardless of the result you should follow up with a health care professional for a complete diagnosis and enter into safer sex counseling.

If positive, your doctor will tell you if or when you'll need meds. Many HIV-positive people are able to go on with their normal lives without taking medication. Note, however, that what was considered normal before, like diet exercise and sex habits, may have to change.