HIV test using home sampling - £34.00

What is HIV home sampling?

HIV home sampling is a way of having an HIV test without having to go to a clinic. You collect your sample at home - in this case a saliva sample - and send it to our lab for testing.

Can this saliva test diagnose HIV?

This test can not diagnose HIV. The saliva test can tell you either a) that there were no signs of HIV in your saliva sample or, b) that the test could not rule out the presence of HIV in your saliva sample.

If the test can't rule out HIV, does this mean that I have HIV?

Absolutely not. There are many reasons why the test may not be able to rule out that you have HIV.

Is this saliva test as accurate as a blood test?

No. A blood test is more accurate than this saliva test. But this saliva test nevertheless provides an accurate and convenient way for some people to test for HIV.

Who is this home sampling test suitable for?

This test is suitable for anyone who thinks that they would be able to handle being told, over the telephone, that the test could not rule out the presence of HIV in your saliva sample.

How long must I wait before taking this test?

This test is unlikely to pick up signs of HIV infection in your saliva if infection occured in the last three and half months, or 105 days. The test is unreliable in the first 105 days because the test may find no HIV antibodies in your saliva and so you'll appear free of HIV, even though the reality is that you've been infected and could infect others. This so-called 'window period' is two weeks longer than the 'window period' for an HIV blood test.

How does this HIV home sampling service work?

First you need to register online. As part of the registration process, you'll have to tell us your name and where you want us to send your pack. You'll then be able to make a secure payment using a debit or credit card. We'll then send a discreet pack to the shipping address you gave us. The pack doesn't say anything about what's inside or who sent it. By following the simple instructions inside, you'll be able to collect a saliva sample.

How do I send my saliva sample to the lab?

You need to put the saliva sample into the pre-paid and pre-addressed packaging that we provide, and send it direct to our laboratory. The laboratory will then test your saliva sample for signs of HIV.

How do I get my HIV test results?

If your result comes back to our doctors and says that there were no signs of HIV infection in your saliva, we'll send you an SMS or email telling you to log back on to the website to see your result. If your result comes back and the test was unable to rule out the presence of HIV in your saliva, one of our doctors will try to call you. The doctor will advise you to go to a clinic for a blood test and ask you questions to help you understand whether you are likely to be at 'high' or 'low' risk of actually having HIV.

Will you tell my GP that I have taken the test?

UK law means that our doctors can't tell your GP anything unless you explicitly ask us to.