BioSURE HIV Self Test: Accuracy and Guide to Correct Testing

Would you like to test whether you have the human immuno virus (HIV) but are too embarrassed to go to a testing clinic?

There’s good news for you if you live in the U.K. because British health authorities have given the go signal for the marketing of BioSURE, the first-ever HIV self-testing kit.

With BioSURE, you can do the test yourself in the privacy of your own home. This sure sounds ideal but is this test reliable? Can it really detect whether a person has HIV?

BIOSURE HIV self test kit

According to the people behind BioSURE, the self-testing kit — when done correctly — is very very accurate. Here’s the accuracy data for BioSURE:

It has a proven clinical sensitivity (if a person has HIV how often the test will be positive) of 99.7%, this means that on average 997 in every 1,000 positive results will be correct.
It has a proven clinical specificity (if a person doesn’t have HIV how often will the test be negative) of 99.9%, this means that on average 999 in every 1,000 negative results will be correct.

Impressive numbers but these figures are only true if you are doing the test CORRECTLY. Here are some warnings and precautions that you should watch out for when you are self-testing:

BioSURE HIV Self Test may not detect HIV infections that have occurred within the last 3 months
BioSURE HIV Self Test is simple to perform and extremely accurate but only if you perform the test correctly. It is essential you carefully read and follow all of the instructions
BioSURE HIV Self Test must be stored at room temperature, but not above 30C as this will affect the test performance. Do not store in direct sunlight or above a radiator
BioSURE HIV Self Test is not suitable if you are receiving active retroviral treatment (ART)
BioSURE HIV Self Test will only work with a sample of whole human blood
Wash your hands and ensure they are clean and dry before starting the test
Ensure the environment where you will perform the test is light and bright so you can perform your test and read the results easily
Before opening your BioSURE HIV Self Test foil pouch check that it is not damaged. Do not use your test if the pouch is torn or perforated in any way. Please phone 0845 222 0012 or contact us via our contact form.
Before using your BioSURE HIV Self Test, check that the expiry date of the test has not passed
Do not open the BioSURE HIV Self Test foil pouch until you are ready to perform the test
You will need a timer
Do not read your test result after 1 hour of performing the test
BioSURE HIV Self Test is a single use, disposable IVD test device. (IVD means In vitro diagnostic device, a diagnostic test that is performed outside of a living body)
To dispose of your BioSURE HIV Self Test please place all of the components back in to the box and place the box into the opaque disposal bag included. The bag can then be sealed to help protect your privacy and thrown away with your normal rubbish.
If your result is positive you should contact your local sexual health clinic or healthcare professional who will perform a confirmatory HIV test and provide advice.
If your test is negative it does not mean you are definitely not infected with HIV, especially if your exposure may have occurred within the past 3 months. If you engage in activities that increase your risk of exposure to HIV you should test regularly.

How much is a BioSURE HIV Self-Testing Kit? The kit will cost you £29.95 (free delivery). It contains the following: