Test Methods :
Our program first screens your blood specimen using a system called the Enzyme-Linked
Immunoassay (ELISA). If this screen is positive (repeatedly reactive), a more specific
confirmatory test, Immunofluoresence Assay (IFA) will be used. These are the same tests
used by doctors in hospitals.
Test Accuracy :
In clinical trials conducted at nine U.S. medical centers, test results from participants
using the Home Access HIV-1 test system were compared to professionally collected venous
blood specimens from the same participants. There proved to be a complete correlation
between the two tests, yielding an overall test accuracy of greater than 99.9% for the
Home Access HIV-1 test program. This means that the Home Access HIV-1 test program is as
accurate as tests used by doctors in hospitals.
Understanding Test Results :
There are four possible test results : negative, positive, interdeterminate, or not tested
A negative test result means that antibodies to HIV-1 were not found in the blood
specimen you sent to the laboratory. A negative test result generally means you are not
infected. However, some people take up to six months before antibodies to HIV-1 can be detected
in their blood. During this time, it is possible for these people to test negative and still
be infected.
A positive test result means that antibodies to HIV-1 were found in the blood specimen
you sent to the laboratory. If you test positive, you should consider yourself infected with
HIV-1 and seek medical care. You are capable of passing the infection to others. Not all
persons testing positive are actually infected with HIV-1. A very small percentage of people
with other medical conditions may have false test results.
A positive test result does not necessarily mean that you have AIDS or will ever develop
AIDS. If you do test positive, there are many medicines available to slow down HIV-1,
helping infected people live longer and heal thier lives.
An indeterminate test result means the presence of HIV-1 antibodies could not be
confirmed in the blood specimen you sent to the laboratory. You could be in the process of
seroconversion, which is changing from a negative test result to a positive test result.
Other medical conditions can make the test indeterminate. In either case, you will need
to be retested. If you receive an indeterminate test result, it is recommended that you
wait one to three months before being retested, and practice HIV prevention with your
sexual and needle-sharing partners during this time.
A not tested result means the laboratory was not capable of completing the testing
program on the specimen you sent to the laboratory. The laboratory cannot test your blood
specimen if the blood specimen collection card becomes wet, soiled, or contaminated.
The circle on the filter paper must be completely filled with blood as directed. Be sure
to ship you blood specimen as soon as possible after collection.
Availability of results :
Your test results will be available for up to 30 days after you first receive them. In
addition, up to three personal counseling sessions will be available for those found to be
negative, indeterminate, or not tested. For those testing positive, our program
offers up to six personal sessions in one year, referrals to health care professionals,
and support for partner notification.
