Being tested for HIV has always been a very personal private matter. But in the past, you still had to go somewhere and let someone else know you wanted to be tested. HIV home test kits are now available over the counter, allowing for a much more private test. These tests can even be ordered online to keep your identity even safer. With more than a dozen home HIV test kits available now, many find themselves questioning which is best for them. Below are reviews of six home HIV test kits to help you decide.
The Home Access® HIV-1 Test System
The Home Access® HIV-1 Test System is one of only two at home HIV test kits to be approved by the FDA. To begin, you must call and register your PIN number. You have two options when registering; you can speak with a counselor or use the automated system. Once you PIN is activated, you simply prick your finger leave a dime-sized drop of blood to dry on specialized paper and then mail it off in the provided envelope. Seven days later you again have the choice of using the automated system or talking to a counselor. This home HIV test kit is 99.9% accurate. The counselors have access to a broad spectrum of information to give if needed. You can order your online kit here, for between $44.00 and $76.50 for a one or 2 pack test kit.
The Home Access® Express HIV-1 Test System
The Home Access® Express HIV-1 Test System is the second of the FDA-approved home HIV test kits. The process is the same as above, with one small exception. With the Home Access® Express HIV-1 Test System, you can find out your results in three business days instead of seven. Included with this system is a prepaid overnight shipping envelope. After receiving your results on the phone, you can request to have them emailed or mailed to your home. This home HIV test kit is 99.9% accurate. To order this HIV test kit, click here, with prices ranging from $59.95 to $99.95 for a one or two pack test kit.
The remaining four tests are not FDA-approved. While the tests claim accuracy, this has not been tested by the FDA. If you try any of the following at-home HIV test kits you may want to follow up the results with a doctor.
OraQuick ADVANCE® Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test
The OraQuick ADVANCE® Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test says test results can be ready in as little as 20 minutes. Looking sort of like a home pregnancy test you swab your mouth with a Q-Tip looking device , place it in the developer solution and then wait. In twenty minutes you can read your results according to the package insert. Prices on this home test kit vary depending on location.
The HIV Rapid test
The HIV Rapid test is another finger prick home HIV test kit. Results for this test can be seen in as little as five minutes for a strong positive and 15 minutes for a weaker positive. This home HIV test kit can be found online for only $15 here. It should be noted that on this web site, it is said numerous times that this should only be used as an initial screening test, and that any positive result should be followed up immediately through your physician.
HIV-Test-Yourself
HIV-Test-Yourself is a five-minute finger prick home HIV test kit. This company also claims more than 99% overall accuracy. For $20 this home HIV test kit can be bought online at this site. The information in the site also says that this is the same test approved for use in hospitals and clinics nationwide. Prices for this home test kit range from $25.00 to $75.00, you can choose from a single test kit, to up to four test kits at the discounted $75.00 price.
B-Sure
B-Sure is a home HIV test kit available on the Internet here, for $14.95. This test requires a finger prick and blood dripped into a small plastic well. A diluent is added to the blood forcing the blood through the testing strip. B-Sure claims results in 3 to 5 minutes. There are many warnings listed on this site, including this test does not do well in humidity, and if a positive outcome is shown it tells you to retest.
All price quotes are subject to change, and in most cases is just an average. Shipping and handling costs have not been added to any of the tests available online and quoted here.
