Want to Know About HIV Self Test
The HIV self test (HTS) is an important tool for HIV prevention. It can identify individuals who are at high risk for the disease and can be used as a screening tool. The self test can also provide the user with information about HIV prevention and treatment services. The HIVST program also includes multimedia instructions, video tutorials, and an HIV prevention hotline.You may want to check out you can try this out for more.
The HIV self test can give an accurate result if used correctly. You should not test yourself before 72 hours have passed since you were last exposed to the virus. Your body may have developed antibodies in the interim, but you may still be infected. If the results are positive, you must seek medical attention.
HIV self testing is different from HIV self-sampling, which requires the user to send a sample to a lab for analysis. It is often referred to as “home testing” or “in-home testing.” It is endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a valuable tool to complement current HIV testing services. The self test kit typically contains modified versions of rapid point-of-care HIV tests.
HIV self-test kits should be integrated into HIV prevention programs and sexual health services. This may help improve HIV prevention by increasing the number of tests performed. It may also reduce access to other sexually transmitted infections. Those who take an HIV self test should receive information about further HIV testing and other STIs or viral hepatitis.
The OraQuick(r) In-Home HIV self-test is the only FDA-approved HIV self-test currently available. It uses a mouth swab and requires 30 minutes of fasting. If the test is positive, the user should visit a healthcare provider or a lab for a follow-up test.
HIVSTs are available in different forms, including blood-based tests, oral fluid tests, and Internet-based HIV diagnostic kits. The HIVST is an excellent option for people who are high risk or undiagnosed and need frequent testing. However, the HIVST is not without its limitations. There are some HIV self-tests that cannot detect HIV antibodies within two to three months.
The accuracy of the HIV self-test depends on the test used, possible errors in self-testing, and the window period during which HIV infection is detectable. People who are at high risk of HIV should seek confirmatory testing in a clinic or health facility. It should also be noted that HIVST should not be used by those with HIV who are on antiretroviral drugs, as it may result in false negative results.
Early HIV diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment and prevention. Taking a home HIV test can be easy and convenient, and can provide the results almost instantly, allowing people to get treatment quickly without having to take time out of their busy schedules. As well, it can prevent unknowingly transmitting the virus to others.