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Q: What is AIDS?
A: AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a disease that limits the body's ability to fight infection. A person with AIDS has a very weak immune system, turning normally mild or rare diseases into potentially fatal conditions.
Q: What is HIV?
A: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS.
Q: How can you tell if someone is infected with HIV?
A: Only with a blood test. A person can be HIV-infected for many years while looking and feeling healthy, with no signs at all of being sick.
Q: Who is most likely to become infected?
A: Anyone can become infected with HIV. HIV is transmitted sexually, through drug use by contaminated needles and during pregnancy from an infected mother to her unborn child. HIV can also be transmitted by breast feeding.
Q: How can I be exposed to HIV?
A: Unprotected sex with someone who is infected or sharing a needle or syringe with someone who is infected.
Q: What is unprotected sex?
A: Sex without a latex condom. HIV is found in semen, vaginal fluids and blood. HIV can enter the body through any type of sexual intercourse, including vaginal, anal and oral sex.
Q: What about doing drugs?
A: Injecting drugs using a needle that has been used by someone else is risky because it can contain infected blood from that person. Any drug use, including alcohol, affects judgment and can lead to exposure to HIV infection.
Q: What are the ways to prevent or reduce exposure to HIV infection?
A: The best way to reduce risk is always using a latex condom correctly for all sexual intercourse. Quitting is the best prevention if you are using injectable drugs. But if that isn't an option, then people should always use a sterile needle to
inject drugs and never use somebody else's equipment.
Q: What about pregnancy?
A: A pregnant women can help prevent or dramatically reduce the chances of transmitting the virus to an unborn child through specifically prescribed drug treatments during pregnancy. As a measure of protection, it is especially important for pregnant women to be tested for HIV as soon as possible then, if necessary, seek assistance with a physician experienced in treating HIV/AIDS.
Q: What exactly is an HIV antibody test?
A: The human body makes antibodies to fight all kinds of infection. If you become infected with HIV, your body creates HIV antibodies. Just like doctors' offices and clinics, Home Access tests your blood for HIV antibodies.
Q: What exactly does an HIV test do?
A: Any HIV test checks your blood specimen for HIV-1 antibodies. The body creates antibodies to HIV when an individual becomes infected by the virus. By testing blood for these antibodies, a laboratory
can tell if HIV is present.
Q: How soon do these antibodies show up?
A: In most infected people, the antibodies will show up in the blood within six weeks to 3 months. But in some people, it might take up to six months. This is important because the test cannot detect recent infections. For example, if you became infected in January, you may not test positive until June.
Q: So you can test negative and still be infected?
A: Yes, because it takes some time for your body to produce HIV antibodies, there is a period of time when recent infections may not be detected.
Q: So what does a negative result mean?
A: It means that HIV-1 antibodies were not found by a laboratory in a particular blood sample.
Q: What does a positive result mean?
A: It means that HIV-1 antibodies were found by the laboratory in a particular blood sample and the individual providing that sample is infected. That individual is capable of passing the virus to someone else.
Q: What does an indeterminate result mean?
A: It means a laboratory could not confirm the presence of HIV-1 antibodies in a particular blood sample. It could mean that an individual may be in the process of converting from being negative to being positive. It could also be due to other medical factors. In either case, it is recommended that the individual be re-tested.
Q: What does an insufficient result mean?
A: An insufficient result refers specifically to the Home Access® HIV Test system. It means that HIV-1 antibody testing could not be performed on the blood sample that was sent to the laboratory. This happens most often because there was not enough blood to test. If you use Home Access HIV testing, make sure you follow all printed instructions regarding the collection of a blood sample.
Q: How accurate is the Home Access HIV at-home test?
A: Home Access' HIV tests are doctor recommended and designed to provide you with a scientific test result that you can trust. Home Access' HIV tests use the same tests run by doctors and hospitals and is clinically proven to be greater than 99.9% accurate. Data from our Phase III clinical trials have been published in the American Medical Association’s
Archives of Internal Medicine (Vol. 157, 2/10/97).
Q. What does FDA approved mean?
A: Our entire service has been scientifically reviewed for safety and effectiveness by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA granted Home Access Health nationwide clearance to market its service on July 22, 1996. The Home Access at-home telemedicine HIV counseling and testing service is the ONLY such service available in the United States approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In the past, FDA has warned consumers against purchasing or using any HIV testing service (especially over the internet) that has not been FDA approved.
Q: Why get tested for HIV?
A: Generally speaking, there are a number of reasons that prompt a person to take an HIV test. Whether it is: entering a new relationship, switching birth control, reassurance for a healthy pregnancy or concern you may have been exposed to HIV through unprotected sex--getting tested for HIV can help foster peace of mind, regardless of your test result. And, if you are concerned about testing positive for HIV, it is important to recognize that today more than ever before, there is new medical treatment that is helping thousands of people infected with HIV lead healthier, active lives.
Q: Is the Home Access® test confidential and anonymous?
A: Yes. We guarantee that all Home Access test results are completely confidential and anonymous. Included in your test kit is a personal 11-digit code number that is not accessible to anyone else. This is how you register to receive your test result. You are the only person who can share your code number or result with anyone else.
Q: How does it work?
A: It’s easy. Just call in to register your anonymous Home Access Code Number. Then collect a blood spot sample by following the instructions included in your kit. (If you have questions, you can call our toll-free number for assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.) Ship your sample back to our laboratory for processing and then call in to find out your test result. Depending upon the test you purchase, you will be able to find out your test result in three business days or about a week.
Q: When can I get my results?
A: The Home Access Express® offers results in just three business days. If you purchase Home Access® your test result will be ready in about a week.
Q: How are results given?
A: Once your test is processed, you can call in to find out your test result 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You retrieve your results by calling our toll-free number included in your test kit. If you are transferred to a counselor, there is no reason to panic, this does not automatically mean that you have tested positive.
Q: Can I get a copy of my results in writing?
A: No, not at this time. HIV hard copy results are awaiting FDA approval. Look for this feature in coming months.
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