Getting an HIV test can be stressful and embarrassing for many people. Due
to the stigma that still surrounds the disease, many people fear that having
HIV will cause people to judge them as promiscuous or to make assumptions about
drug use. While the medical community is now well aware of HIV statistics and
the ways that HIV can be transmitted, and of the fact that anyone who is
sexually active or comes into contact with blood is at risk, this stigma keeps
many people from getting tested. HIV home testing is an excellent way for
people to find out for certain whether or not they are HIV positive, without
having to face doctors and community members in a local clinic. These tests are
anonymous and highly accurate.
A HIV home test is done using a finger stick much like those performed on
diabetics to measure blood sugar levels. The sample is then sent to a lab,
where results will be available anywhere from the day they are received to a
few weeks later, depending on the test and the company. Most companies allow people
to send in their HIV home test using only PIN numbers or codes that they set up
so that results are completely confidential. Counseling is also offered in many
cases, regardless of a positive or negative result in order to help people
learn to prevent the disease and to ensure that people are prepared in case the
result is positive.
The FDA does not allow HIV test results to be determined or read at home.
There are many reasons for this, and it is due in large part to the amount of
work required to determine that a diagnosis is accurate. Because HIV is
considered such a serious diagnosis, it is a primary goal of these companies to
ensure that accurate results are always given.
If your HIV home test shows a positive result, you will be instructed to see
a local doctor to confirm the results. False positives are highly unlikely, but
confirming the diagnosis is always recommended, as is seeking prompt treatment.
HIV is no longer the near-immediate death sentence that it once was, but
maintaining proper treatment is imperative.
If your HIV home test is negative, then you should simply maintain a regular
testing schedule. While all people should be tested every six months, if you
have been exposed to HIV infected blood or someone with HIV/AIDS symptoms, it
is important to be tested every twelve weeks for a full year. It can take some
time for HIV symptoms and antibodies to develop within the body after exposure.
In short, HIV home testing certainly works and is an excellent idea. While
seeing your doctor can be the best method of testing for many and can help
ensure that you are psychologically prepared for the results, HIV home testing
offers fast results and confidential treatment. Your health is very important,
and knowing your HIV status is crucial for anyone who is sexually active or who
has a job with a risk of bleeding. If you do not know your HIV status, it is
certainly advised that you use a HIV home testing kit to learn the truth right
away.
There are many medical home test kits on the ma Permalink rket today. If you or someone
you know ever needs one, there are three things to consider... confidentiality,
accuracy and a fair price. Make sure you go to a reputable online website that
only uses Medical Home Testing Kits that are FDA approved (or cleared).
By Lila Abrams
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