Can I get tested for HIV at home?
Your sexual and reproductive health care can’t wait — even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many Planned Parenthood health centers across the country are still open and providing health care, including testing for STDs, like HIV. And many health centers are offering virtual appointments.
You’re doing your part by staying inside and only going out for essential things like groceries and medicine, but you can still make HIV testing a priority. The only way to know for sure if you have HIV is to get tested. Luckily, HIV testing at home is quick, easy, and painless.
You can test yourself for HIV using an at-home HIV testing kit: With the OraQuick In-Home HIV Test, you swab your gums and test the sample yourself. You get your results in 20 minutes. With the Home Access HIV-1 Test, you prick your finger to get a small amount of blood. You then mail your blood sample to a lab and get your results in about a week. At-home tests are totally anonymous — you’re the only person who will know the results. And both types of tests help connect you with counselors who can give you support and advice about treatment if you test positive.
These are uncertain times for everyone — we’re here with you. Picking up an HIV test the next time you’re at the grocery store or pharmacy is a small thing you can do to stay on top of your health.
-Chelsea at Planned Parenthood
