Hugh Jazz: What is the Home Test Kit??
Dear Dr. Dick,
What's the deal with those big HIV box tests you can take and do yourself?
Thank you,
Hugh Jazz
Dear Hugh,
You must be referring to the HIV Home Test (also called "Self-Test"). These are kits that include everything you need to test yourself for HIV. Getting tested in a clinic is still the most accurate way to test for HIV, but the Home Test is a safe and convenient option when a clinic isn't available to you.
The Home Test Kit might be a good option for you if:
• You don't get tested at a clinic on a regular basis (it's recommended that guys who have sex with guys test every 3 months)
• You can't make it to a clinic in the near future to get tested
• You want to test between your regular clinic tests
HOME TEST KIT 101
HOW DOES THE TEST WORK?
First you swab your gums with a test stick, then put the swab in a little tube. The test looks for HIV antibodies in your saliva (spit). If your results show that antibodies were detected, this means you have likely been exposed to HIV.
When you open the test kit, take out the instruction sheet and read the instructions TWICE so you don't miss anything. Some guys like to have a friend sit with them for support. It's important not to eat or drink anything, or brush your teeth right before taking the test. Taking it when you're high isn't recommended either!
WHAT DO I DO WHILE I WAIT FOR THE RESULTS?
Your test results will take 20 minutes. While you wait you can clean, make dinner, chat with a friend, or even watch some porn.
If you get a positive result, it's important to get a follow-up HIV test at a clinic to confirm your results. If you do get diagnosed with HIV, connect with a medical provider right away so that you can start HIV medications. Anti-HIV meds are now recommended for all persons infected with HIV regardless of stage of infection.
WHAT IS THE WINDOW PERIOD OF THE TEST?
The Window Period is the time between when a person first gets infected with HIV, and when an HIV test can detect the infection. The Window Period is different for each kind of HIV test.
For the home test, the Window Period can be up to 3 months. So, if you got infected with HIV on March 1, the test may not show a positive result until June 1. That means that for those three months you may be transmitting HIV to your sex partners. The home test should NOT be used to determine your HIV status right before hooking up with someone because of the high false-negative rate during the window period.
For Clinic Tests: There are a couple of different HIV tests used with different window periods. In contrast to the home tests, clinic-based HIV tests can detect HIV infection as early as 10-25 days after infection, depending on the test.
WHAT ABOUT OTHER STDs?
The test does NOT look for other STDs, like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. MSM (Men who have Sex with Men), are encouraged to test every 3 months for these STDs. For a list of testing providers, visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/communicable/hiv/resources/testing.aspx#test
OTHER INFO
PEP
If you're negative for HIV, and think you might have come in contact with HIV through a condom break or a needle stick, you might consider getting on PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). PEP can lower your chances of getting infected with HIV. How does it work? You take a 28-day course of HIV medication to decrease the chance that the virus will settle in your body.
If you feel you might have been exposed to HIV, go to the emergency room at Harborview within 24 hours of the exposure, to get a prescription for PEP. You can also see your primary care provider, if they can see you immediately. PEP works best when started right away, and will not be prescribed for you after 72 hours (3 days). For more info on PEP, check out my article Feelin' Peppy.
PrEP
Guys who are HIV-negative and at high risk for getting HIV can take PrEP. How does it work? You take a pill once a day, every day, to lower your risk of getting HIV. It's important to keep in mind that PrEP alone won't stop you from getting infected with HIV. Guys who take PrEP should also do the following:
• Use condoms every time for anal and vaginal sex
• Talk to their partners about their HIV status and using protection
• Get tested regularly for STIs, and get treated if an STI pops up
• Get tested every 2-3 months for HIV
• Take their PrEP meds every day
• Use brand new needles and works every time they inject
TALK TO YOUR MEDICAL PROVIDER if you are interested in PrEP. For more info about PrEP, check out my article That Little Pill.
Thanks Hugh Jazz for your great question! Be well,
Dr. Dick