How do HIV home test kits work?

HIV test kits now allow users to carry out HIV testing at home with privacy and convenience. They are very accurate and will give results in minutes as to the HIV status of an individual. This not only reduces the chances of HIV spreading but goes a long way to lowering the stress felt by many during the HIV testing process.

The test kits work by the introduction of the individual’s blood. This is gathered after a small pin prick using a device included in the test kits. A drop of blood is collected, placed in the test kit along with a diluents liquid (all of which is included). The diluted blood spreads over the internal test strip and reacts with the coating to show a single red line, this indicates the test has worked and that it has enough blood to detect the HIV antibodies it present in the individual’s blood. The 2^nd red line which indicates an HIV positive result is only made visible by a reaction with an antigen and the HIV antibodies. If the blood does not have this, then the 2^nd line does not appear and the test is a single red line, being negative.

These HIV test kits are very accurate and the results are fast and very clear. HIV testing through this method is convenient and is encouraging many to test who may otherwise put off testing or not test for HIV at all.

And for the future. A new generation of test kits is being tested now that will react with eth virus itself and not the antibodies. This test s can reduce, although not dramatically the HIV testing window and allow for earlier detection. They should be mature enough for general home HIV testing by 2014.