Product

• The Home Access HIV-1 Test System is available in a standard and an express kit. A blood specimen is necessary to test for HIV. The kit contains a gauze pad, alcohol prep pad, retractable lancet and blood specimen card. A prepaid envelope is included to mail the specimen to an accredited laboratory for testing.
  
  

Process

• The testing kit can be ordered online, by mail or at a pharmacy. Contact Home Access Health to obtain an anonymous code number, to receive counseling before taking the test, and for answers to any questions. The test is done by pricking a finger with the lancet and placing blood on the specimen card. The results are provided by phone within seven business days. A written copy of the results is also available by U.S. mail or email. Counseling is offered if the results are positive, along with information on medical and social services.
  
  

Precautions

• Home test kits not approved by the FDA are also sold to consumers. Companies providing these kits claim to give results through a saliva or urine sample within 15 minutes. These tests are not federally approved for at-home use. Some test kits also falsely claim to be approved through the FDA or manufactured in an FDA-approved facility.
  
  

Results

• The Home Access test checks for antibodies produced when a person has the virus in his body. The period of time from which a person contracts HIV and the body starts making antibodies is different for each person. On average, antibodies begin producing within two to eight weeks, with the average being 22 days. In some cases antibodies do not develop for six months.
  
  A negative test result can occur during this time, when the HIV antibodies are not detectable. A false or indeterminate result can occur because of an insufficient amount of blood to test, other medical conditions, or because the process of going from negative to positive is still occurring within the body.
  
  

Cost

• When purchased directly form Home Access Health, the Home Access HIV-1 standard test system is available for $44.00 for a single test and $77.95 for a two-test pack. The Express HIV-1 test provides results within one business day and costs $59.95 for a single test and $105.95 for a double pack .