Advantages of Home Testing
In the US, an estimated 13% of HIV-positive individuals are undiagnosed.
These people are more likely to get sick, get killed, and spread the virus to other people.
Because symptoms may not appear for years after exposure, a person may occasionally be unaware that they have HIV. However, a person may strongly suspect they have HIV yet choose not to get tested due to widespread worries, such as:
concerns about anonymity or privacy
discomfort with counselling or sex-related conversations anxiety associated with awaiting test results
Being at an HIV testing location is stigmatised
HIV testing performed at home can help solve problems like these. The exams provide users with a sense of control and empowerment while ensuring confidentiality.
According to some research, partner testing may be more likely with at-home testing and may promote safer sex behaviours if partners are informed of their HIV status.
Various HIV test types
Both immunological proteins produced by the body in reaction to the virus, known as antibodies, and structural proteins on the virus's surface, known as antigens, are detected by at-home HIV testing.
The technologies utilised for at-home testing fall into two categories: antibody-only tests and tests that combine both antigen and antibodies.
Only-Antibody Tests
Some at-home tests are only capable of detecting HIV antibodies. They employ a technique known as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which mimics the immune system's defenses.
When the immune system responds to HIV by producing antibodies, the antibodies will "tag" the virus for death by adhering to a specific antigen on the surface of the virus, The antigen linked to HIV is known as p24.
Tests that combine antibodies and antigens
When performing an ELISA test, p24 is added to a sample of saliva, blood, or urine. The antibodies will bind to the antigen if HIV antibodies are present, leading to a positive result.
Combination antigen-antibody tests, as its name implies, identify both HIV antigens and antibodies. The p24 antigen test and ELISA technologies are combined in this procedure.
The "clones" of HIV antibodies, also known as monoclonal antibodies, are introduced into a sample of blood for the p24 antigen assays to function. The p24 antigen on the surface of the virus will bind to the antibody clone if HIV is present, producing a positive result.
Although they can only be performed on blood, combination antigen-antibody tests are the primary method of HIV testing in the United States.
How to Conduct a Self-Test
You can test your gums with the test stick that is included in the kit. The stick is then put in a tube with a testing substance, known as a reagent, which, in the presence of HIV antibodies, results in a colour change.
Do the following to quickly test for HIV:
Unwrap the box, which includes a sealed item and a test tube stand made of plastic.
Remove the test tube by tearing the package open. Remove the test tube's cap to reveal the reagent.
Put the test tube in the holder for test tubes.
Take the test stick out of the sealed container.
Avoid touching the test stick's pad.
Swipe the test stick's pad once along the top gum's length and once along the lower gum's length. In the test tube, put the test stick. 20 minutes must pass.
Keep it on for no more than 40 minutes.
For the results, look through the window on the test stick's handle.
Based on the presence or absence of pink lines in the window, the results are interpreted. The letters "C" and "T" are imprinted next to the glass
The findings can be explained as follows:
Negative: The "C" has one line next to it but the "T" does not.
Positivity: There are lines next to the letters "C" and "T." (even a faint one).
Uncertain: Either there isn't a line next to the "C," the window is completely pink and impossible to read, or there is a line but it isn't adjacent to either the "C" or the "T."
Repeating indeterminate tests is necessary.
Conclusion
In-office HIV tests can be substituted with at-home tests. At-home tests may be the best option for persons who might otherwise avoid HIV testing due to worries about confidentiality or the possible stigma of being seen at an HIV testing location, in addition to their convenience.
