New AIDS drugs are making a difference for hundreds of thousands of HIV infected individuals. While there is still no cure for AIDS, many infected individuals have regained control of their lives. New drug treatments have transformed AIDS into a manageable condition with some individuals having no detectable level of virus in their blood streams at all. There has never been a better time to get tested. Test results and counseling are completely anonymous. The Home Access simple at-home collection method combined with our accurate laboratory testing method insures that you get a reliable test result quickly and conveniently. Using the Home Access® HIV test is a great first step in formulating your own personal prevention plan.

Frequently asked questions on the subject of HIV:
What is AIDS?
What is HIV?
How can you tell if someone is infected with HIV?
Who is most likely to become infected?
How can I be exposed to HIV?
What is unprotected sex?
What about doing drugs?
What are the ways to prevent or reduce exposure to HIV infection?
What about pregnancy?
What exactly is an HIV antibody test?
What does an indeterminate result mean?
What does an insufficient result mean?
How accurate is the Home Access HIV at-home test?
What does FDA approved mean?
Why get tested for HIV?
How soon do these antibodies show up?
What does a negative result mean?
Can I test negative and still be infected?
What does a positive result mean?
What does an indeterminate result mean?
What does an insufficient result mean?
How accurate is the Home Access HIV at-home test?
What does FDA approved mean?
Why get tested for HIV?
Is the Home Access® test anonymous?
How does it work?
When can I get my results?
How are results given?
Can I get a copy of my results in writing?
Who is Home Access Health Corporation?

Q: What is HIV?
A: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS.

Q: How can you tell if someone is infected with HIV?
A: Only with a blood test. A person can be HIV-infected for many years while looking and feeling healthy, with no signs at all of being sick.

Q: Who is most likely to become infected?
A: Anyone can become infected with HIV. HIV is transmitted sexually, through drug use by contaminated needles and during pregnancy from an infected mother to her unborn child. HIV can also be transmitted by breast feeding.

Q: How can I be exposed to HIV?
A: Unprotected sex with someone who is infected or sharing a needle or syringe with someone who is infected.
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Q: What is unprotected sex?
A: Sex without a latex condom or other barrier methods. HIV is found in semen, vaginal fluids and blood. HIV can enter the body through any type of sexual intercourse, including vaginal, anal and oral sex.

Q: What about doing drugs?
A: Injecting drugs using a needle that has been used by someone else is risky because it can contain infected blood from that person. Any drug use, including alcohol, affects judgment and can contribute to exposure to HIV infection.

Q: What are the ways to prevent or reduce exposure to HIV infection?
A: The best way to reduce risk is to always use a latex condom correctly for all sexual intercourse. Quitting is the best prevention if you are using injectable drugs. But if that isn't an option, then people should always use a sterile needle to inject drugs and never use somebody else's equipment.

Q: What about pregnancy?
A: A pregnant women can help prevent or dramatically reduce the chances of transmitting the virus to an unborn child through specifically prescribed drug treatments during pregnancy. As a measure of protection, it is especially important for pregnant women to be tested for HIV as soon as possible then, if necessary, seek assistance with a physician experienced in treating HIV/AIDS.

Q: What exactly is an HIV antibody test?
A: The human body makes antibodies to fight all kinds of infection. If you become infected with HIV, your body creates HIV antibodies. Just like doctors' offices and clinics, Home Access tests your blood for HIV antibodies.

Q: What does an indeterminate result mean?
A: It means a laboratory could not confirm the presence of HIV-1 antibodies in a particular blood sample. It could mean that an individual may be in the process of converting from being negative to being positive. It could also be due to other medical factors. In either case, it is recommended that the individual be re-tested.
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Q: What does an insufficient result mean?
A: An insufficient result refers specifically to the Home Access® HIV Test system. It means that HIV-1 antibody testing could not be performed on the blood sample that was sent to the laboratory. This happens most often because there was not enough blood to test. If you use Home Access HIV testing, make sure you follow all printed instructions regarding the collection of a blood sample.

Q: How accurate is the Home Access HIV at-home test?
A: Home Access' HIV tests are doctor recommended and designed to provide you with a scientific test result that you can trust. Home Access' HIV tests use the same tests run by doctors and hospitals and is clinically proven to be greater than 99.9% accurate. Data from our Phase III clinical trials have been published in the American Medical Association's Archives of Internal Medicine (Vol. 157, 2/10/97). You can request to receive a free reprint of this study.

Q. What does FDA approved mean?
A: Our entire service has been scientifically reviewed for safety and effectiveness by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA granted Home Access Health nationwide clearance to market its service on July 22, 1996. The Home Access at-home telemedicine HIV counseling and testing service is the ONLY such service available in the United States approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In the past, FDA has warned consumers against purchasing or using any HIV testing service (especially over the internet) that has not been FDA approved.

Q: Why get tested for HIV?
A: Generally speaking, there are a number of reasons that prompt a person to take an HIV test. Whether it is: entering a new relationship, switching birth control, reassurance for a healthy pregnancy or concern you may have been exposed to HIV through unprotected sex--getting tested for HIV can help foster peace of mind, regardless of your test result. And, if you are concerned about testing positive for HIV, it is important to recognize that today more than ever before, there is new medical treatment that is helping thousands of people infected with HIV lead healthier, active lives.
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Q: How soon do these antibodies show up?
A: In most infected people, the antibodies will show up in the blood within six weeks to 3 months. But in some people, it might take up to six months. This is important because the test cannot detect recent infections. For example, if you became infected in January, you may not test positive until June.

Q: What does a negative result mean?
A: It means that HIV-1 antibodies were not found by a laboratory in a particular blood sample.

Q: Can I test negative and still be infected?
A: Yes, because it takes some time for your body to produce HIV antibodies, there is a period of time when recent infections may not be detected.

Q: What does a positive result mean?
A: It means that HIV-1 antibodies were found by the laboratory in a particular blood sample and the individual providing that sample is infected. That individual is capable of passing the virus to someone else.

Q: What does an indeterminate result mean?
A: It means a laboratory could not confirm the presence of HIV-1 antibodies in a particular blood sample. It could mean that an individual may be in the process of converting from being negative to being positive. It could also be due to other medical factors. In either case, it is recommended that the individual be re-tested.
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Q: What does an insufficient result mean?
A: An insufficient result refers specifically to the Home Access® HIV Test system. It means that HIV-1 antibody testing could not be performed on the blood sample that was sent to the laboratory. This happens most often because there was not enough blood to test. If you use Home Access HIV testing, make sure you follow all printed instructions regarding the collection of a blood sample.

Q: How accurate is the Home Access HIV at-home test?
A: Home Access' HIV tests are doctor recommended and designed to provide you with a scientific test result that you can trust. Home Access' HIV tests use the same tests run by doctors and hospitals and is clinically proven to be greater than 99.9% accurate. Data from our Phase III clinical trials have been published in the American Medical Association's Archives of Internal Medicine (Vol. 157, 2/10/97). You can request to receive a free reprint of this study.

Q. What does FDA approved mean?
A: Our entire service has been scientifically reviewed for safety and effectiveness by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA granted Home Access Health nationwide clearance to market its service on July 22, 1996. The Home Access at-home telemedicine HIV counseling and testing service is the ONLY such service available in the United States approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In the past, FDA has warned consumers against purchasing or using any HIV testing service (especially over the internet) that has not been FDA approved.

Q: Why get tested for HIV?
A: Generally speaking, there are a number of reasons that prompt a person to take an HIV test. Whether it is: entering a new relationship, switching birth control, reassurance for a healthy pregnancy or concern you may have been exposed to HIV through unprotected sex--getting tested for HIV can help foster peace of mind, regardless of your test result. And, if you are concerned about testing positive for HIV, it is important to recognize that today more than ever before, there is new medical treatment that is helping thousands of people infected with HIV lead healthier, active lives.
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Q: Is the Home Access® test anonymous?
A: Yes. We guarantee that all Home Access test results are completely anonymous. Included in your test kit is a personal 11-digit code number. You are the only person who can share your code number or result with anyone else.

Q: How does it work?
A: It's easy. Just call in to register your anonymous Home Access Code Number. Then collect a blood spot sample by following the instructions included in your kit. (If you have questions, you can call our toll-free number for assistance.) Ship your sample back to our laboratory for processing and then call in to find out your test result. After shipping your blood sample, you call back on the same toll-free number after either three or seven days (depending on which kit you purchased).

Q: When can I get my results?
A: The Home Access Express® offers results in just three business days. If you purchase Home Access® your test result will be ready in about a week.

Q: How are results given?
A: Once your test is processed, you call in to find out your test results. You retrieve your results by calling our toll-free number included in your test kit. If you are transferred to a counselor, there is no reason to panic, this does not automatically mean that you have tested positive.
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Q: Can I get a copy of my results in writing?
A: Yes, you must first obtain your results over the phone. Then send a self-addressed stamped envelope along with a written request noting your code number to:

Q: Who is Home Access Health Corporation?
A: Home Access Health, the leader in telemedicine, provides fast and convenient at-home medical testing and consultation. Our goal is to treat everyone who uses our service with respect and understanding. We guarantee you will be 100% satisfied with your HIV test purchase or we will replace your kit or refund your money. For more in-depth information about our products or Home Access Health, call 1 800 HIV-TEST.