AIDS is Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It is a terminal condition that results in the gradual breakdown of a person's immune system which renders them defenseless against any illness or disease that eventually claims their life. The condition is an advancement of the HIV condition. HIV is acquired during unprotected sexual activity with an infected person or due to tainted or infected blood being transmitted to a healthy person. HIV is a condition that affects people across the globe and does not yet have a cure. HIV can be contained to an extent, prolonging the period before it turns into full blown AIDS which will result in the death of the individual. HIV testing is a particularly embarrassing subject for some people. A person who has had sexual relations with a person who they suspect to be infected may find it difficult to get themselves tested. The stigma attached to having an illicit relationship with another person may be too much to bear, thus causing the person to avoid testing. In such a case, it may be useful to test for HIV using a home test kit.
A home test for Aids is relatively accurate and can be used by anyone. Such test kits use the body fluids from the saliva or the blood to analyze the presence of the HIV antibodies that have been produced by the body when fighting the HIV infection. Testing using this method is easy and quick and is completely anonymous, making it the preferred choice for a large number of people. It has been noted that home test kits may produce a false positive reading. Therefore, any person who tests positive on a home test kit should visit a clinic in order to confirm the diagnosis and to begin the treatment that seeks to arrest the progression of the condition. There is one important factor to note when testing at home, or in fact in a laboratory. This factor is what is known as the window period. The window period is the gap between a person being infected and the infection becoming detectable in a test. This window period is about 6 weeks and detections begin to be more accurate beyond a period of 6 weeks. Any negative before this period may be a false negative. It is important to do a follow up test after 6 months to confirm the negative diagnosis which can then be considered as accurate.