Why use an at-home rapid HIV test?

Depending on where you live and your personal circumstances, visiting a clinic for an HIV test may not always be convenient or easily accessible.

Over recent years, HIV self-testing has become an established additional option for HIV testing. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends HIV self-testing as an approach to HIV testing services. Self-tests allow people to collect their own sample, perform the test and interpret the result privately, following the Instructions for Use supplied with the specific test.

The performance and window period of an HIV self-test depend on the specific product and the type of test used. Always check the product information and Instructions for Use rather than assuming that all HIV self-tests have the same sensitivity, specificity or window period. The CDC provides general guidance on the different window periods for HIV test types.

Aside from rapid result availability, one of the main advantages of an HIV self-test is privacy and convenience. A suitable self-test can be performed at a time and place that works for you, without needing an appointment.

A reactive self-test result does not by itself confirm an HIV diagnosis and requires appropriate follow-up testing. A non-reactive result may also need to be repeated if testing took place during the window period after a recent possible exposure.

A negative HIV self-test should not be used as a reason to assume that a recent exposure carries no risk or that HIV prevention is no longer necessary.

If a possible exposure occurred within the last 72 hours, seek medical advice urgently rather than waiting for a self-test result. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may be appropriate and needs to be started within 72 hours of exposure.

View our available HIV tests and choose the option that best fits your needs.