Many of us in the sexual health field are super jazzed about the brand new HIV self tests on the market.
South Shore Sexual Health is participating in TWO research studies that are making the test kits available for free so you can test confidentially in any location you feel safe.
One of the studies sent extra kits for staff to try—so, naturally, I had to see if it was easy to use. Also, I’ve never been tested for HIV or had the opportunity.
First off, I was pretty sure I was HIV negative. Overall, my anxiety level at taking the test was really low. This may not be the case for everyone. Only you know if you’ve been in situations that increase your risk (e.g. sharing a needle with someone, a sexual assault) and this may make testing anxiety higher for you. We’re all coming from different places when we use these tests.
Self tests do not confirm you have HIV. Basically, they’re a screening tool. If you get a positive result, then you need to get a confirmation test through the health care system. A positive result from the test is not a diagnosis, but a sign you need to connect with health care ASAP.
However, these little self tests are accurate. Most people who are positive get flagged by the test. So you can take the results fairly seriously (they’re not going to jerk you around).
How soon can you use the self test? You may trigger a positive result within 21-22 days after exposure, but it may still take up to 3 months to get a positive result. It all depends on your body. So you may want to get more than one test so that you can confirm 3 months after a potential exposure that, yes, you are negative.
The kit comes with easy to follow instructions and pictures. It’s not like putting together a barbecue. There is no part A, B, or E. You won’t need an allen key.
There are three bottles, a lancet, and the tester itself. They throw in a bandage because you are going to have to prick yourself a little. (If you’re a diabetic, you’re an old hat at this game.)
Open the red bottle, then massage your finger to get the blood flowing. You need a nice healthy drop of blood to make the test work.
The little lancet pricks your skin for you. First off, I hate lancets. But they get the job done. I liked the test kit lancet better than any of the diabetic ones I’ve ever tried. I’m not scared of needles, but am a little jumpy at lancets that have an aggressive spring to them.
Take the cover off the lancet and push it hard into your finger tip. It will spring, poke you, and hopefully get you enough blood to drop into the red container.
This was the hardest part for me. I had to massage my finger for many minutes until a drop fell into the container. (Ironically, once this happened, my finger didn’t want to stop bleeding! Thanks finger.)
Shake your red bottle four times, then pour the contents into the hole on the tester.
Then you shake and add the contents of the blue bottle.
Then you shake and add the contents of the white bottle. (This is kind of like high school chemistry.)
Then you stare for dots.
All tests should contain a control dot, which confirms the test worked. No dot means you have to try another test because it’s a dud.
Two dots means you’ve triggered a positive result and need to get confirmation testing through the health care system.
I found my control dot was really pale. It was hard to see, but it was there.
Overall, the test was pretty user friendly. My finger tip is still red from massaging it aggressively to get enough blood to fall into the container. It didn’t really hurt, though. It was just frustrating even though we all know clotting and NOT bleeding is a good thing under normal circumstances. (FYI, if you’re a member of the royal family and a hemophiliac, do not do this test.)
If you come by the centre for a test, I can walk you through a demonstration with my demo kit.
Want a kit?
Right now, the first study is underway. You can enroll in the I’m Ready study app and get up to three kits! You can have them shipped directly to your home. However, if you a) don’t have a safe mailing address b) want a little demonstration of how it works, you can pick up a kit at our centre.
We hope to soon be part of another study, and we’ll get information to you when it’s ready. Until then, download the I’m Ready app and learn more about self testing.
The advantage to taking a potentially stressful test? You’ll know whether you’re positive and can take steps to get treated for your health, and that of your partners. Many folks can get to an undetectable viral load with treatment, and you cannot pass HIV if you’re undetectable. These days, treatment for HIV means you can live a healthy life, and can even have kids safely. Treatment has also come a long way.
Know as soon as possible if you’re positive with these easy kits. We’re here to help you get tested whenever you’re ready to take the leap.
