What is HIV home sampling?

It is generally recommended that the HIV test is done in a health care setting. However, in some countries 'home sampling' kits are available. With a home sampling kit, a person can take a sample (usually a blood sample) and then send it to a laboratory for testing. A few days later, the person phones up a special number, gives their individual identification code, and is given the result over the phone. If the result is positive then a professional counsellor will provide emotional support and referrals.

For home sampling, the major advantages are convenience, speed, privacy and anonymity. In countries where HIV tests are not free, home sampling may be a cost-effective way to get tested. But for some people the lack of face-to face counselling before and after the test may be a disadvantage. There is one company in the USA that offers an FDA-approved home sampling kit for HIV.

There is also a company in the UK that offers home sampling services using oral fluid instead of blood. However, this company only conducts a preliminary screening test instead of the full diagnostic procedure, so clients with reactive test results must visit a clinic for further testing. This service is only suitable for people at low risk of being infected.