HIV TEST KIT FACTS
About the HIV test kit
Our HIV home test is an accurate laboratory test for the sexually transmitted infection, HIV. The test
requires you to collect a blood sample and send it to our partner laboratory for testing.
The
accuracy of the test depends on the time since you were exposed to HIV. If you were exposed to HIV 28
days ago it is 94% accurate, 45 days it is 99% and at 90 days it is 99.9% accurate.
If you think
you have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, you must go to a sexual health clinic as soon as
possible. Treatment is available which reduces the chances of catching HIV after exposure.
How does the test work?
Use the kit we send you to collect a small blood sample. Send the sample to our partner laboratory. When the lab sends us your test result we’ll share it with you in your secure account.
How do I take a blood sample?
Follow our simple instructions to take a finger-prick blood sample that will go into a small pot with a lid. Put it in the packaging we include and send it to our partner laboratory.
Is the test kit accurate?
The test that the laboratory runs is the same test that’s routinely run in the NHS.
The accuracy
of the test depends on the time since you were exposed to HIV. If you were exposed to HIV 28 days ago it
is 94% accurate, 45 days it is 99% and at 90 days it is 99.9% accurate.
If you start to show
symptoms before you take a test or before you get your results you must visit your GP or health
clinic.
If you think you have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours then you may need post
exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment. This medication reduces the chances of catching HIV after
exposure. You can get this treatment from any sexual health clinic.
What happens if I test positive?
We’ll tell you your result in your patient record. We’ll also call you if the test comes back positive
or reactive. We’ll help you find additional testing and treatment if you need it.
It’s important
to understand that we’d never diagnose you with HIV based on a single test result. Depending upon what
the test shows, we may recommend you get a follow-up test.
What happens if I have symptoms?
If you’ve got HIV symptoms, you must visit your GP or health clinic. It’s important to get treated
because if left untreated it can lead to long-term health problems.
What happens if I don’t take the Boots home test?
If you decide not to use our home test kit you can make an appointment at your local GP or GUM clinic
to get tested in person.
If you’re worried about having caught HIV in the last 3 days - please go
to a GUM clinic without delay as there’s treatment available.
Keeping you safe
If you do not feel safe, are experiencing abuse or control, or have experienced this in the past, please find support below or send us a message:
- Ask for ANI at your local Boots pharmacy
- Contact National Domestic Abuse helpline 24/7 on 0808 2000 247 (Women)
- Contact Men’s Advice Line mensadviceline.org.uk on 0808 8010 327 (Men)
- Look at www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/abuse/
- Emergency situation dial 999, speak, cough or tap, then speak or press 55 when through to the police
Last reviewed on: 21/06/2021