HIV Self-Testing (Home Testing)

What is an HIV self-test?

An HIV self-test is a test that you can do at home or in a private location to see if you have HIV. With an HIV self-test, you can get your test results within 20 minutes.

How do I find an HIV self-test?

There are a few different ways to find an HIV self-test. You can buy a self-test kit at a pharmacy or online. You can also get a free self-test kit from some HIV organizations.

How do I use an HIV self-test?

There are a few different types of HIV self-tests available, but they all work similarly. To use an HIV self-test, you will need to collect a sample of your blood or saliva. Once you have collected your sample, you will need to mix it with a solution provided in the kit. After waiting for the specified time, you will need to compare the results to the chart provided in the kit.

What is a mail-in HIV test?

A mail-in HIV test is a test that can be taken at home and mailed into a lab for processing. This type of test is convenient for people who may not have access to a local testing site or who do not want to disclose their HIV status to a healthcare provider.

How do I find a mail-in HIV test?

There are a few ways to find a mail-in HIV test. You can ask your doctor for a recommendation, search online, or look for a testing center in your community.

How do I use a mail-in HIV test?

If you have been exposed to HIV or think you may have been exposed, you can get a mail-in HIV test. This test is a self-test that you can do in the privacy of your own home. You will need to collect a small sample of blood from your finger and send it back to the lab in a prepaid envelope. The results will be sent to you in the mail.

Will my insurance cover an HIV self-test or mail-in test?

Since most insurance plans are federally regulated, they must cover HIV tests. However, depending on your individual insurance plan, there may be some out-of-pocket costs, such as a copay or deductible. If you do not have insurance, or if your insurance will not cover the cost of the test, many places offer free or low-cost HIV testing.