Free HIV test kit

[freelybee]

Hi everyone!
First time posting.

Just ordered a free HIV test kit from External Link/Members Only

Better to be safe than sorry!

All the best

[scutty brown]

fuck off, we don't like spam

[Don Quixote]

fuck off, we don't like spam

Speak for yourself; there's nothing finer than a spam fritter!

[OldAdmin]

A Google search shows that site seems to be linked to from NHS, so I don't think it's spam, the OP is not benefiting in any way.

[Fishface]

It's the new cheaper way (for the NHS) to avoid visits to the sexual health clinics with their cut backs.

Only draw back is or could be that they need an address to send the kit to, or maybe you can pick one up at your local SHClinic. Results by text. Works! But you do have to read the instructions or the blood could spoil by the time its tested.

[scutty brown]

It's the new cheaper way (for the NHS) to avoid visits to the sexual health clinics with their cut backs.

Only draw back is or could be that they need an address to send the kit to, or maybe you can pick one up at your local SHClinic. Results by text. Works! But you do have to read the instructions or the blood could spoil by the time its tested.

Its a private company trying to sell a kit. A quick search didn't show any kind of UK approval for use, though I may have missed it

[Discord]

How would it work as don't you need a blood sample to test for HIV?  If so how would you do that yourself? 

[scutty brown]

How would it work as don't you need a blood sample to test for HIV?  If so how would you do that yourself?

No, you do need a blood sample for this test. Probably not much - just a fingerprick.
PCR amplification can get DNA/RNA hits from tiny samples

[Anadin]

How would it work as don't you need a blood sample to test for HIV?  If so how would you do that yourself?

Easy External Link/Members Only

[Fishface]

Its a private company trying to sell a kit. A quick search didn't show any kind of UK approval for use, though I may have missed it

Yeah you've missed it. It says its FREE on the linked page, (as long as your local health authority has signed up/paid for it) that eligibility is found by entering post code.

[dubs]

No, you do need a blood sample for this test. Probably not much - just a fingerprick.
PCR amplification can get DNA/RNA hits from tiny samples

About 15 drops of blood needed. You get the fingertip pricking thing in the kit.

[cossie1]

Just this week I used the SH24 postal service for my test. Registered online Sunday eve for my postal kit. Used work address. It came tues morning. I did the test in the work shower room. Consisted of mouth swab, anal swab, urine sample and blood sample. Blood sample was the worst bit, as you had to prick finger to draw blood. Needed a lot more than I had anticipated but persevered. Sent it off that lunchtime and got text yesterday with the all clear.

Must say fab service and no need to spend a morning at the gum clinic. Will be using more often in future.

[scutty brown]

Yeah you've missed it. It says its FREE on the linked page, (as long as your local health authority has signed up/paid for it) that eligibility is found by entering post code.

postcode checker didn't work when I tried it........still think they are touting though, and still disturbed that there's no obvious technical discussion or report on this kit online. Diagnostic kits are funny things to work with, and I'd be a lot happier using something like that if there was an approval statement online from the MHRA

[Fishface]

postcode checker didn't work when I tried it........still think they are touting though, and still disturbed that there's no obvious technical discussion or report on this kit online. Diagnostic kits are funny things to work with, and I'd be a lot happier using something like that if there was an approval statement online from the MHRA

It's another example of privatisation of the NHS, cutting the hours and appointments at the GUM clinics and palming the people with no obvious symptoms (as assessed by ourselves!) off to the private sector company for mail order restricted healthcare.

[shagmore]

Well I doubt it would be 100% accurate, you bet you read he small print and it will say something along the lines of not to be used seriously, or if you want true result you need to see a specialist blah, blah blah.

[Anadin]

Well I doubt it would be 100% accurate, you bet you read he small print and it will say something along the lines of not to be used seriously, or if you want true result you need to see a specialist blah, blah blah.

Why would you think that?

[milo]

Well I doubt it would be 100% accurate, you bet you read he small print and it will say something along the lines of not to be used seriously, or if you want true result you need to see a specialist blah, blah blah.

I have had a look at the Terms and Conditions. Within those there is a link to this document.
External Link/Members Only
It details how they handle the samples and do the testing. It includes tables containing figures for the accuracy levels of each of the tests.

Incidentally, it also includes the outline of the messages they send out -
For positive patients, “Hi {First Name}, the results for your test ({Specimen Code}) are now available, please call {Local Provider Number} to collect your results as soon as you can.”
Negative patients will be contacted with the message “Hi {First Name}, you'll be glad to know your test ({Specimen Code}) came back all clear! See freetest.me for more details.”

[Analist]

As usual, this is another NHS ploy to save money.
Supposedly with good intentions, but people may be complacent and consider themselves clean with a negative test. HIV is relatively rare in this country compared to STDs like Chlamydia or herpes for example.

[Anadin]

As usual, this is another NHS ploy to save money.

Good for them, that's what they should be doing