personal care: HIV Home Standard Test - ONLY FDA Approved Home Test ...

personal care: HIV Home Standard Test - ONLY FDA Approved Home Test ...

health & personal care:


	• HIV Home Standard Test - ONLY FDA Approved Home Test Home Access Home Access average customer review:based on 1 review view larger image
	for more information click here

Words of wisdom for taking an HIV test

Taking an HIV test isn't easy, I know. I've taken three HIV tests in my life, all with the same result: HIV positive. Why take an HIV test when I already know that I'm HIV positive? As the author of the book, The First Year: HIV, I was curious about this product.

Originally, I reviewed the HIV Home Express Test. Basically, the Standard Test is identical. But instead of offering results in 1-3 business days, the Standard test offers results in 3-7 business days. Otherwise, they are the same test: FDA approved, accurate, timely results, anonymous but with a "live person" for questions about your results.

My test arrived in a standard Amazon box, just like a book from Amazon. If you're worried about being discreet, it's just fine. Inside the test kit, you'll find some instructions, advertising, envelopes, bandages, and two little blue things called Lancets.

I found the instructions to be a little confusing. It's not as easy as you're first led to believe. Honestly, I was so confused by the "pre-registration" process that I lost my motivation and put the test away for a few days. I imagine many people lose motivation to follow through.

When I finally got inspired, I washed my hands, studied the blood sample collection card, and pricked my finger with the Lancet. It felt like a paper cut. I had a hard time squeezing out enough blood to fill the dime-size circle on the collection card. When I finished, I sealed the card into the provided envelope, put that envelope into the pre-paid FedEx package, and shipped it off.

Home Access delivers on their promises of being accurate (100% for me) and FDA approved (other cheaper and unregulated HIV tests can be found online; avoid them). The test certainly is confidential and anonymous. When I called to get my results, the phone counselor was to-the-point, sincere, and helpful.

Overall, the hardest part was waiting and wondering. For me, it was well over two weeks, from ordering the test from Amazon, understanding what to do, struggling with motivation, squeezing blood, shipping the sample to Home Access, waiting through a weekend and a holiday, and then getting my results. For the Standard Test, figure about three weeks to get your results. Don't let yourself worry or obsess during this time.

Ultimately, the real value of an HIV test is in knowing your results. If you test HIV negative, carry on. If you test positive, relax. It's not the end of the world. A positive test result means you've been exposed to the virus, that's all. It doesn't mean you're a bad person or God is punishing you. And it doesn't necessary mean that you'll need medicine any time soon.

Of course a positive test result can still rock your world. But remember, the reality is that -- in 2008 in the developed world -- there is excellent medicine to keep the virus at bay indefinitely. I've been positive for over 20 years and today I have a pretty good life. In fact, the knowledge focused my attention to maintaining good health, not just with HIV, but with all areas of my life.

Either the Standard or the Express tests from Home Access are fine. Personally, I'd go with the Standard Test, take advantage of the free shipping, and save money. Both tests provide verification of your results by mail or email (should you need to prove it). Ultimately, the test offers you knowledge. Knowing your results can save your life. Knowing is better than not knowing; it gives you the power to take control of your health and make better choices. In my opinion, it's money well spent.

for more information click here

Besides being fast, convenient and accurate, the Home Access® HIV test system is easy to use. Each test kit comes with a detailed instructions booklet with illustrations which will take you through pre-test registration and counseling; collecting a blood sample; shipping that sample to our accredited laboratory and calling back for test results, post-test counseling and referrals. Throughout the testing process, professionally trained counselors are available to provide assistance and to answer your questions. To protect your privacy, you are identified only by your eleven-digit Home Access code number (which comes with the kit). Code Number Registration and Pre-Test Counseling You begin by calling a toll free number to register your anonymous Home Access code number and complete pre-test counseling, questions and demographic information. You can choose to speak to a Home Access counselor or use our automated registration and education system. Our counselors are available to help you with any questions or personal concerns. Sample Collection Using the retractable safety lancet provided, you prick your fingertip and place drops of blood on the blood specimen card included in the test kit. You only need enough blood to fill a circle the size of a dime. Shipping Your blood sample is protected by an enclosed weather resistant protective pouch which is placed in a self-addressed, pre-paid U.S. Mail shipping envelope, all included in the test kit. Your sample is shipped directly to our certified laboratory. Laboratory Analysis The Home Access laboratory is FDA approved and CLIA certified (laboratory registration certificate CLIA #14D0981820). Our procedures and protocols have been certified by the United States Food and Drug Administration under cGMPs (Current Good Manufacturing Practices). At the laboratory, your blood sample is tested by experienced technicians using the exact same test ordered by doctors' offices, hospitals and clinics, ensuring greate

for more information click here