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Hygiene UK

HIV Self-Test - Pack of 1

HIV Self-Test - Pack of 1

Regular price £8.24 GBP
Regular price Sale price £8.24 GBP
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There are 2 types of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): HIV-1 and HIV-2. If you are infected with either HIV-1 or HIV-2, your immune system will generate antibodies against either virus type. The HIV Test is designed to detect these antibodies in human blood to determine infection by either virus type. This is a single-use screening test that gives a result in 15 minutes. If a positive result is given, this must be confirmed by a healthcare professional using a different type of test. The HIV Test is comprised of a paper test strip inside a plastic cartridge. The test is performed by placing a small drop of blood on the test strip and then applying drops of test fluid (diluent). When the test is completed, two lines can appear on the paper strip. A visible control line indicates that the diluent was added and migrated successfully, and that the test reagents are functioning correctly. The Test Line will only become visible if the applied sample contains antibodies to HIV. “HIV” stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus that targets the immune system and over time reduces the body’s ability to fight infection. If left untreated, HIV can lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). There is no cure for HIV, or AIDS, but with correct medical treatment it can be managed as a non-life threatening condition. With early diagnosis and treatment, the life expectancy for someone with HIV can be similar to that of someone who does not have HIV. The only way to know if you have HIV is to have an HIV test. It is important to know your status to help prevent passing the virus on to others. Certain body fluids from a person who has HIV – including blood, breast milk, semen, rectal fluids and vaginal fluids – can transmit HIV. Transmission can occur if these fluids come into contact with a mucous membrane (found inside the rectum, vagina, penis or mouth) or damaged tissue, or are directly injected into the bloodstream (by a needle or syringe). HIV can also be transferred from an HIV positive mother to her child during pregnancy or childbirth. HIV risk events include: — Unprotected sex with someone who has HIV or whose HIV status is unknown. — Unprotected sex (vaginal or anal) with multiple partners. — Using non-sterile needles or injecting equipment. HIV is NOT transmitted by casual contact (shaking hands, sharing a glass, etc.), kissing, saliva, tears, sweat, air or water.
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