Home HIV Test

[palemale]

Anybody know if the new Home HIV Tests that are new on the market are reliable?

 

[Gekishinken]

They're accurate about 95 percent of the time.

 

[KaraBulut]

They're calibrated to have a slightly higher false positive rate than tests that are run by labs. Many of the tests are antibody tests which have the same limitations that HIV antibody tests have- they are only of use after the immune response window (anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months). Some of the tests are limited to HIV-1.

Also, not all of the tests are FDA approved.

 

[cocksucker4use]

Recently asked an infectious disease doc this, and he says they're good, and quoted stats, sensitivity, etc. The risk is that you don't have counselling, referrals, support, etc. if you need it. Common sense says that doing a home test is better than no test.....

'

 

[Benvolio]

Many would prefer the anonymity of the home test, rather than the embarrassment of the person to person "counseling" Etc, even if no Niamey is required.

 

[demolay]

This is a touchy subject. I feel that the counseling option is very important. i have heard of many cases in which an individual tested positive and chose to take their lives. people for the most part are still very ignorant to the facts of hiv. You can blame the lackluster sex education programs in our public and private school systems, which are more often then not taught by an individual with no formal education in the matter. This rant could go on and on.

Sorry for that, but to address the thread yes they are accurate for the most part. Although, too many factors play into it and you should definitely seek a full std screening if you have even the slightest doubt or anxiety. Dont be afraid to discover anything, its only to better your wellbeing and the safety of others.

Rock!

 

[DoctorTwink]

Yes they are reliable. When my ex and I (not the ex I posted about in another thread here) did them they only had the blood test ones you mailed into a lab.