HOW TO TEST FOR HIV/AIDS AT HOME USING SALIVA

It is recommended that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should undergo HIV testing at least once as part of routine screening since there are too many cases of AIDS-infected people who are completely unaware of their status.

If you or a loved one is at a higher risk of contracting HIV through needle drug use or unprotected sex, it is advisable to get tested on a regular basis. There are several screening options available, including doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and community health clinics. Additionally, you can choose to take a test at any time, and here’s how to do it, along with some self-testing information.

There are two main types of home HIV tests available for purchase online or at a pharmacy. The first one is the OraQuick In-Home HIV Test, which looks for HIV antibodies in saliva by swabbing the upper and lower gums with a test stick. After placing the sample in a vial of fluid, you can read the results within 20-40 minutes.

The second type of home HIV test is the Home Access HIV-1 Test System, which is extremely reliable, according to studies, as it detects HIV antibodies 99.9% of the time. If your sample yields a positive result, the lab will confirm it with another test before giving you the results. Similarly, if your results are negative, indicating that you do not have HIV, the test is also 99.9% accurate.

On the other hand, the OraQuick In-Home HIV Test has a lower sensitivity, detecting HIV antibodies only 92% of the time. It means that the test may miss one out of every twelve people infected with HIV. However, it rarely produces false positive results, reducing the likelihood of misinforming you that you have HIV when you do not.

Nonetheless, if you test positive on OraQuick, experts recommend having a second test from a doctor or medical clinic to confirm the result and receive the necessary treatment. 

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