Results
My test is reactive/positive – what should I do?
Get in contact with us by clicking here (information also contained in your HIV Self-Test pack) to discuss your next steps. We can offer you information and referrals to free PrEP, free condoms and lube and/or access to PEP.
Although the test kits are extremely accurate at identifying HIV, the result you receive is not a confirmed diagnosis – this can only be given within a clinical service. We can arrange an appointment for the clinic to perform a confirmatory test and, if this confirms that you have acquired HIV, they will get you started on treatment for free and provide advice about living well with HIV.
Knowing you are living with HIV helps you to take the steps necessary to take control of your health. The sooner you are on treatment, the better it is for your health outcomes. Effective treatment also prevents you from passing the virus on to anyone else. Accessing HIV treatment and related services is free of charge for everyone in Ireland.
More information about living with HIV is available from our website www.hivireland.ie.
My test is negative – what should I do?
It is important that you let us know your result so that we can evaluate the success of this service. We will send you a text message with a link to a quick feedback survey in the week following the arrival of your HIV Self-Test kit.
If you have not had a potential exposure to HIV in the previous 12 weeks, a negative result is accurate. If, however, you have had a potential exposure to HIV in that time, the test may still give a negative result as it takes time for HIV antibodies to build up and become detectable by the test kit.
If you are concerned about an exposure in the last 12 weeks, you should repeat the test at the 12-week mark. Alternatively, you can access a sexual health clinic for a laboratory test that can detect HIV sooner.
Receiving a negative test is also a good time to consider your options to remain negative. Get in contact with us on the details above (also contained in your pack) to discuss your next steps. We can offer you information and referrals to free PrEP, free condoms and lube and/or access to PEP. Remember, it is important to continue to test regularly, especially if you change sexual partners.
My test did not work – what should I do?
If your HIV Self-Test didn’t work – the first line (control line) on the test did not appear, then please get in touch with us by clicking here and we will discuss your options.
