Home STI Test - How it Works ( Infographic)

You will be supplied with an easy-to-use sample collection kit, with full instructions on how to use it. If you are requesting tests that need blood samples, these are collected from a finger prick sample.

Once collected, your samples are then sent to the laboratory in the enclosed pre-paid mailer provided in your kit. Once received in the laboratory, your samples will be processed with results available within the fastest possible times.

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What is HIV?

HIV (the human immunodeficiency virus) is a serious viral infection that is spread through body fluids, including through sexual intercourse, and this includes vaginal, anal and sometimes oral sex. The virus attacks our immune system to make us more susceptible to infections and disease.

HIV can also be spread by needle stick contamination, by sharing needles; receiving surgical treatment in foreign countries (where sterilization of equipment may not meet the standards of developed countries) and sometimes it can be passed from the mother to a child during the birth process or through breast feeding.

HIV is found in the bodily fluids of an infected person, which includes semen, vaginal, anal fluids, and blood and breast milk.  HIV virus thrives inside a person’s body, however does not survive long outside the body. HIV cannot be transmitted through sweat or urine.

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Can You Do An HIV Test At Home?

Symptoms of HIV may not appear for many years; therefore the only way to find out if one has HIV is to have an HIV test.

Any individual who thinks he could have an HIV should get testd.

HIV Lab Test Kit is easy to use at home. Blood Sample is collected via a simple finger prick method and sent to our partner lab for testing, in a self-addressed envelope provided inside the kit.

TESTD provides 5th generation HIV testing, which is the latest technology available. The test seeks to detect both antigens and antibodies. The test can detect HIV antigens (p24) as early as 10 days after exposure but it should be followed up with a 28 day HIV Duo test.

Individual between the ages of 13 to 64 years must go for HIV testing as per the guidelines of Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP)

Apart from this certain groups of people are at high risk hence advised to have regular tests:

• Men who have sex with men should have an HIV test once a year or every three months if they are having unprotected sex with casual or new partners.
  
  
• Black African men and women should have an HIV test and a regular STI screen, if they are having unprotected sex with casual or new partners.
  
  

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HIV - THE MYTHS

There is a common myth that it is something that only affects gay men. While gay men are disproportionately affected, the majority of new diagnoses in the UK are in the heterosexual population and a third of all HIV diagnoses are in women.

Coming into contact with an infected person will not lead to oneself putting at risk of HIV. HIV is carried in blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. One cannot catch HIV by sharing a toothbrush or through coming in into contact with someone's saliva, e.g. by sharing a glass.

A person who knows his or her HIV positive status and is on medication is less likely to be able to pass on the infection than someone who is HIV positive and is unaware of his or her status. Being on treatment reduces the viral load and makes people less infectious.

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What are the risk factors for HIV infection?

As per the guidelines of Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP). People with the higher risk of HIV infection should get tested every 6 months or every year.

Some factors that increase the risk of HIV infection are as follows:

• Having unprotected sex
• Sharing infected syringes/needles
• Suffering from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as syphilis
• Suffering from tuberculosis or hepatitis

One needs to talk to his/her healthcare provider if you are suffering from any above situation to confirm how often you should take the test.

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What is the main cause of chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection & is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the UK, which affects the cervix and the urethra in women and the urethra in men.

Accounting for almost half of all STI diagnoses in 2014 according to Public Health England figures.

It is usually associated with people under 25, making age a risk factor; however it can be caught by anyone. It can be treated and will cause no problems if caught early. However, if left untreated it can have an effect on your health.

Chlamydia is an infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, which is usually spread through sexual contact. This is a bacterium which infects cells in the cervix, urethra, rectum and sometimes the eyes or throat.

Chlamydia is the most common STI and, quite often, there are no outward symptoms to indicate that anything is wrong.  Chlamydia can, if left untreated, cause very unwelcome complications.

In up to 40 percent of women, untreated infections can spread into the uterus or fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This can cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding tissues and lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and an ectopic pregnancy. Women infected with Chlamydia are up to five times more likely to become infected with HIV if exposed.

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