HIV Home Test Kits - An Overview

HIV home test kits can be very beneficial but it depends on your individual circumstances as to whether you should choose a home test kit or to be tested within a facility. A very important thing to know about HIV home test kits is that they are FDA approved. Not all home test kits are the same, so be sure to compare the home kits to make sure you know what you are getting. Also ensure that you are buying an FDA approved kit, because some companies sell kits that are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration Hiv home test kits.

HIV home test kits that are FDA approved provide nearly 100% accuracy. This accuracy is up to six months after an individual has been possibly exposed to the HIV virus. This test is not as easy as people may think. You must be thorough when deciding to take it. Included within the test is plenty of material that needs to be read in order for you to know how to take the test correctly. It is recommended that should you decide to take a home test for HIV, you have a minimum of two hours to do so. This will give you time to read through all of the materials and to take the test itself.

You may choose to use HIV home test kits because perhaps you fear going to a clinic. If you are afraid of being seen inside a clinic that tests for HIV, you may feel more comfortable taking the test by yourself. This way, no one outside of your home will have to know about it. However, you should be aware that taking the test at home costs more than going to a local clinic in many cases. If you decide to take the test at home, you can purchase online, over the phone or in store.

Beware of HIV home test kits that claim you can receive your results without sending in work to a lab. These same tests or other tests may also claim that you can know these results in as little as 15 minutes. These tests are not approved by the FDA, and therefore present an unknown accuracy rate. You may see these companies advertise on the Internet, but if they do not have FDA approval, you have no real way of knowing that you received accurate results. Ultimately, it is your decision to decide whether HIV home test kits are right for you.