HIV Self-Testing
Test Requisites
Please note that if you’re HIV positive and taking HIV treatment, this test is NOT for you, as it may product a false negative result.
Test Procedure
When you take the test, do not:
- eat or drink 15 minutes before you start the test or
- use mouth cleaning products (such as mouth wash, toothpaste, teeth whitening strips) 30 minutes before you start the test.
- And remove dental products such as dentures or other products that cover your gums.
To take on the test you will:
- To find a good place with good lighting to perform the test.
- You will need a stop watch which you can find in your mobile phone.
How To Use HIV Self-Test Kit
These items are needed for the test.
Pouch contains: test kit, test stand and instructions for use.
Test kit contains two pouches.
Tear open the pouch containing the tube.
Remove the cap.
DO NOT pour out the liquid. DO NOT drink the liquid.
Slide the tube into the stand.
Tear open pouch containing the test device and remove it. Do NOT touch the flat pad with your fingers. DO NOT eat or swallow the preservative.
Press the flat pad firmly against your gum and swab it along your upper gum once and your lower gum once.
Put the flat pad all the way into the tube until it touches the bottom.
Leave it there for 20 MINUTES before reading the results. If you read the result before 20 minutes, it may not be correct. DO NOT read the result after 40 minutes.
Interpreting the Test Result
HIV POSITIVE RESULT
If two complete lines, even if the lines are faded, it means you may be HIV POSITIVE. In that case, you have to visit your nearest HIV Testing Centre or Hospital to test again and confirm your result.
HIV NEGATIVE RESULT
If one line appears next to the letter “C” and no line next to the “T”, your result is HIV NEGATIVE. However, if you think you may have been exposed to HIV recently, test again in 3 months.
INVALID RESULT
No line next to the “C” (even when there is a line next to the “T”), or a red background makes it impossible to read the test, or the line is neither next to the C or T, it indicates the test is not working and should be repeated. You will need to test again with a new test kit.
NOT SURE OF YOUR RESULT
If you are not sure of your result, visit your nearest health center or hospital to test again.
DISPOSE
Remove the test stick, put the cap on the test tube and throw away all contents in the normal trash.
