Home HIV Test Collection Kits

Programs that provide kits which enable individuals to take anonymous HIV tests in the privacy of their homes. The kits, which are sold over the counter, contain a lancet and blotter paper. A drop of blood is obtained by a finger prick with the lancet and placed onto the blotter paper which is identified with a unique number, a copy of which is kept by the individual seeking testing. The blotter paper and identifying number are mailed to the test kit company where the blood specimen is tested with the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The individual contacts the company by telephone to obtain the results, which are provided by a trained HIV counselor.