Answer

There are two types of home tests for a range of infections including HIV:

i) is based on home sampling – where you take the sample yourself at home (saliva, blood, etc, depending on the test) – and then post this to a lab that contact you later with the results.

ii) where you both sample and get results yourself at home, without the need for an outside lab.

In the UK, for HIV, home sampling is legal, but home testing is not.

The THT offer a home sampling service in conjunction with a private (non-NHS) clinic for £34, but read the accompanying information as this test is not ideal, nor always conclusive.

There are different opinions on the whether home testing in the UK should be legalised, and THT are also trying to legalise home testing.

Personally, I think it is healthier to test in a more supportive environment, especially as an HIV-diagnosis is still a considerable shock for most people. Contact with a trained health advisor can ensure you are helped to access appropriate services, including couselling if necessary.

Testing at home sound particularly lonely and depressing.

Although home testing kits are not legal in the UK, they are available on the internet, but you need to check the quality and on how to interpret results.

Answer: Simon Collins