How to self-sample at home:
STEP 1
remove the lid of the specimen tube and put upright on a flat surface
STEP 2
Clean one of your fingers with the alcohol wipe and dry with cotton pad/gauze
STEP 3
Twist the cap to unlock the lancet (tiny needle for finger prick), continue to twist until cap separates easily from the lancet body. Do not pull.
(Note: each lancet can only be used once)
STEP 4
Place the lancet firmly against the top of your finger, then press the release button.
STEP 5
Squeeze your finger until a droplet of blood forms. Hold your finger above the tube and fill with blood until it reaches the line ‘600’ mark.
(Note: if If one finger does not fill the tube, prick another finger)
STEP 6
Firmly press the lid onto the specimen tube, turn the tube upside down five times to mix the sample.
STEP 7
Send the specimen tube to the lab using the free-post packaging and label.
Reading your results
This test works like a pregnancy test – it draws the liquid and your blood along the testing strip to show your test result. This can take up to 15 minutes to show properly.
Test shows 1 LINE – Negative result. (You can now finish your testing session – remember to re-test if you have unprotected sex again with a new partner or in 3 months’ time if you are in a relationship)
Test shows NO LINES – Your test did not work, and you will need to repeat, with a new test kit.
Test shows 2 LINES – Reactive result. This means that the test has detected possible HIV in your blood. If you see this, you must get this confirmed by a professional.
To do this, follow the instructions that came with your test on who to contact and how, or if you are in Bristol, contact Unity Sexual Health, or alternatively you can contact your GP)
Other STI self-sampling
To complete your full sexual health testing, it is a good idea to test for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
These infections can be tested by either swabbing parts of the body, usually the vagina for female bodies or collecting urine (wee) sample in male bodies. These STI’s can also be present in throat and bottom depending on the type of sex that you have had, so the throat and bottom can also be swabbed if needed.
STI Self-sampling kits can be ordered online from UNITY your local sexual health clinic or can be collected from some pharmacies or GP surgeries.
Each self-testing or self-sampling kit will come with complete instructions on how to use correctly and safely. This is a quick rundown as an idea:
Step by step: how to self-test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea
FEMALE BODIED TESTS:
- Remove the lid of the specimen tube and put upright on a flat surface
- As if inserting a tampon, open your vagina with one hand and insert the swab with the other. Put the swab 2-3cm inside and press against the vaginal wall for about 10 seconds.
- put the swab into the specimen tube.
- snap the swab in half along the score mark, keeping the swab and fluid in the tube.
Securely replace the lid and label your sample. Throw away the left over part of the swab.
Send test using the enclosed packaging and postage label
MALE BODIED TESTS:
Don’t wee for at least one hour before taking the test.
Half fill the urine collection container with the first part of wee you pass.
- Remove the lid of the specimen tube and place on an upright surface. Don’t spill any.
- Using the pipette, squeeze the bulb at the top and collect urine, releasing the pipette over the specimen tube to fill.
- Fill the tube between the two black lines. If the tube is under or over filled it cannot be tested.
Replace the lid and label your sample.
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