What is the OraQuick HIV Self-Screening?

Self-screening is a quick, convenient and confidential tool that allows you to find out your status in the privacy of your own home.  It is very accurate, but if you have an HIV positive result you will need to have a blood test to confirm the diagnosis. You can do this at a government facility, iKapa Cares pharmacy, your private GP or a community organisation that offers HIV testing services. 

 

 

What does the OraQuick HIV self-screening test do?

The OraQuick HIV self-screening kit uses fluid from your mouth to test for the presence of the antibodies that help you fight HIV infection. These antibodies are the soldier cells that try and defend you from infection. If they are present in your fluid, it is likely that you have been exposed to HIV and you are HIV positive. If you have a positive result you need to have a blood test to confirm your screen, because it may be a false-positive. 

 

What if I am nervous about taking the test?

It is normal to feel a little nervous when taking any HIV test. You can do it in your own time, or call the CareWorks contact centre for help and support. If you decide that the HIV self-screening test is not for you, please seek further assistance from your nearest retail pharmacy or DoH facility.

 

How accurate is HIV self-screening?

The HIV self-screening kit is 99.4% accurate, which is as accurate as the blood-based HIV rapid test you will receive at a DOH clinic or iKapa Cares pharmacy.

 

What does a negative result mean?

A negative result means that the kit has not detected any HIV antibodies in your fluid. However, it may take up to 6 weeks for the antibodies to appear in the fluid. If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to HIV, you need to confirm your status 6 weeks after the potential exposure to be certain of the result. Screen yourself now for HIV, and if negative repeat it in 6 weeks.

 

What should I do if I am negative?

If you are negative you can remain negative for the rest of your life. Encourage your partner to test for HIV, use condoms to prevent infections and if you are a man, have a full circumcision, which is known as Medical Male Circumcision. If you are at high risk for HIV, consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). You should test for HIV at least every year.

 

Can I get an incorrect ‘false’ negative result with this kit?

A false negative result means that the screening result shows that you are HIV negative when you are positive. It is rare for this to happen, but a false negative can happen for any of the following reasons:

• If you were exposed to HIV less than 6 weeks before taking the test.

• Making a mistake while taking the test. Please follow the instructions carefully.

• If you are taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or other antiretrovirals (ARVs).

 

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means that you may have HIV. You must have an additional blood test at an iKapa pharmacy or health facility to confirm the result. If your confirmatory blood-based HIV test is positive, you are HIV positive and need to start antiretroviral therapy (ART).

 

What should I do if I get a positive result from the OraQuick HIV self-screening?

The next step is always to confirm your result with a blood test. You can receive help from the CareWorks contact centre to find your closest DoH facility where you can have the confirmation test done for free or you can go to your private GP or a participating iKapa Cares pharmacy. If the second test confirms that you are HIV positive, you can control HIV by starting ART as early as possible.

 

It can be distressing to learn that you are HIV positive, and you are not alone. Please call CareWorks at 079 035 5861 or send your name and surname to 30956, and we will call you back and we can support and advise you. The operating hours of the contact centre are 8:00- 16:30 Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. If you call outside of operating hours, leave a message and a counsellor will call you back during operating hours. For urgent 24-hour support and assistance, you may contact the National AIDS Helpline at 0800 012 322.

 

Can I use this test if I’m taking medicine to prevent HIV [oral PrEP]?

No. If you are taking oral PrEP for HIV, you may get false results.

 

Can I use this test if I’m HIV positive and taking ART?

No. If you know that you are HIV positive you should not take this test. If you are on ARVs you may get an incorrect result.

 

How will confidentiality be ensured?

HIV self-screening is a great option if you are concerned about privacy and confidentiality. Self-screening at home supports patient choice. CareWorks is committed to preserving confidentiality. No personal information will be shared with a third party and you do not have to reveal the results of the test to the CareWorks contact centre staff if you do not feel comfortable doing so.

 

Who should not do the self-screening test?

1. You are already living with HIV.

2. You are on ART

3. You are on PEP or PrEP

4. You are under 18

5. You were forced by someone else to take the test.

 

What is the role of the contact centre?

All calls are confidential. The contact centre:

1. provides information about HIV and the self-screening test

2. educates you about HIV

3. provides advice to help you to take the test correctly

4. refers you to health care facility for confirmatory testing and initiation on ART.

5. supports you if you are HIV positive

 

The contact centre is available to answer your questions and/or provide support Monday – Friday 8:00 – 4:30. If you need any assistance, do not hesitate to contact CareWorks and we will call you back!