About the Newfoundland HIV finger-prick blood test

How does the test work?

It’s similar to a home pregnancy test: you do the test yourself and see the result within a few minutes.

The test checks for HIV antibodies in a small sample of your blood. One line appears on the test to tell you it’s working. If the antibodies are present, a second line appears. You do not need to send any part of the test back to us. The test can only be used once.

Watch a video showing how to use the kit

Is the test accurate?

Tests on people with HIV are 99.6% accurate, which means that on average 996 in every 1,000 people who have HIV will get a correct reactive (positive) result.

The test is CE marked, which means it complies with the essential requirements of relevant European health and safety regulations.

There is a small possibility of getting a positive or ‘reactive’ result that, when tested again, is negative. This is called a false positive. The chance of this happening varies but, on average, just 4 in every 1,000 test results for people who don’t have HIV will be incorrect.

That’s why it’s important that any reactive result on this test is confirmed with a second blood test conducted by a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

What is the test kit like?

Your test will arrive in a discreet, unmarked package. The test box contains:

  • the test device itself
  • a bottle of test fluid
  • a support card
  • a disposal bag
  • an adhesive plaster
  • instructions for completing the test

You can read the instruction leaflet online (PDF).

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