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HIV self-testing is a test that you can do by yourself, without a doctor or a nurse, in your own home. As part of the HIV self-test you prick your finger, and the kit tests a drop of your blood. You get the result of the test 15 minutes later. Watch the instructional video above
Atomo HIV Self Test Instructions For Use
This video provides details on How to do a self-administered HIV test
Credit: Atomo Diagonostics
The HIV Self-test kit comes with a small cartridge with a paper test strip, a set of instructions, a bottle of test fluid (which is added to blood sample), and a disposal bag. The package also includes a card with a list of contact information in case you have questions or concerns about the test or your test result.
The Atomo HIV Self-Test is only one brand of HIV self-test kit that is approved by the Australian Federal Government as a HIV self-test kit. It is authorised for sale in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
When used correctly, the HIV self-test kit is highly accurate (99.6%). The HIV Self-test window period is up to 3 months. This means that the test may not detect HIV infection contracted during the last three months.
Traditional HIV testing is usually done at a clinic or in a hospital. Blood is drawn from a vein in the arm, sent to a laboratory for testing and the result usually takes several days. HIV self-testing uses blood from a finger prick and returns results within 15 minutes and you can perform the test at home, without a doctor or a nurse.
If you suspect you have been exposed to HIV within the past three months, it is very important that you consult a doctor or visit a sexual health clinic. If the potential exposure happened within the last 72 hours, you can take a medicine called Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), which can prevent you from getting HIV. More information on PEP can be found at www.getpep.info.
While the HIV self-test is very accurate, there may be false positive results, meaning that sometimes it will give a “positive” result even when the person does not actually have HIV. Having a positive result does not mean you definitely have HIV. If you have received a positive result, you need to go to a doctor for further confirmatory testing. You can speak to your regular doctor or visit https://www.thedramadownunder.info/find-a-clinic/ to find the nearest sexual health service. Alternatively, you can contact us and we will advise you on next steps.
If you need to speak to someone immediately, you can call the following hotlines (available 24/7):
Health Direct on 1800 022 222
Lifeline Support Line on 13 11 14
Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636
Mensline on 1300 78 99 78
If your follow-up testing is positive, it is important to speak to a doctor about starting treatment. Treatment today is very effective and those living with HIV can live long and healthy lives.
No. Your HIV self-test kit can only test you for HIV. It cannot test you for other medical conditions such as syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, gonorrhoea and chlamydia. For a comprehensive sexual health screen, please contact your GP or local sexual health clinic.
No.
The HIV self-testing kit detects antibodies in your blood that are made by your body in response to an HIV infection. These antibodies can take some time to occur, usually about 6 weeks, but it can take up to three months. This means that there could still be a risk that HIV is passed on, even if your partner has just tested negative on a HIV self-testing kit.
HIV prevention strategies such as U=U, PrEP and condoms are the most effective ways to stop HIV transmission.
If you are having sex, regular testing for HIV (once every three to 12 months) is the best way to ensure you know your status. You should also consider which HIV prevention strategies are best for you and your partner/s.
In Victoria, the law states that a person must not knowingly or recklessly infect another person with an infectious disease, including HIV.
Yes certainly. We are currently recruiting key representatives/test promoters to join this study. Each test promoter will need to distribute HIV self-test kits to 3 friends or sexual partners (reimbursement included). If you are interested to sign up as a test promoter, please complete the eligibility survey here.
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