Syphilis, Hepatitis B & C And HIV Home Test

What does this test for?

This kit allows you to get tested for Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV from the comfort of your own home.

How to use the test kit

Make sure you’ve read the instructions and are familiar with the test technique before you start. First, wash your hands, then using the Alcotip swab, thoroughly clean the selected fingertip and allow it to dry. Take off the cap from one lancet, and press it down firmly onto the fingertip to pierce the skin. Wipe away the first drop of blood that appears. Massage the fingertip to encourage a new drop of blood to form. Holding the finger over the collection tube, allow the blood to drip into the collection tube. Continue to massage the finger to encourage blood flow until the collection tube is filled to the line. Apply plaster to the finger if you need it. Gently invert the tube 5–10 times (don’t shake it!) Make sure to screw the lid on tightly to the collection tube. Make sure the tube is labelled and posted as soon as possible.

How does the test work?

The test examines a tiny sample of your blood samples in the lab to find out whether or not these four viruses are present. We will then contact you confidentially to let you know the results.

How reliable is the test kit?

The test kit uses the same testing process and technology as the NHS so it's as reliable as it can be. When your test kit arrives, check it over to make sure it hasn't been damaged during the delivery process. If this happens, let us know and we will send you a fresh kit free of charge. In addition, make sure that your blood sample is taken as instructed and the contents do not become compromised.

This test may take up to 12 weeks to become positive if you have been infected with syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV. This is known as the ‘window period’.

How do you catch STIs?

STIs can be passed on during unprotected sexual contact. This includes oral, anal and vaginal sex. Some are easier to catch than others. For example, genital warts and herpes can be passed on during skin-to-skin contact with the genitals and other infections are passed on through sexual fluids. Mothers can also pass on infections to their baby through childbirth and breastfeeding.

Symptoms of Syphilis

The symptoms of syphilis appear in several stages and may be mild and go unnoticed. You can still pass on syphilis even if you have no symptoms. Primary syphilis infection manifests with the appearance of a small, painless sore around the site of infection called a chancre. There is usually only a single chancre, however, in rare cases, there may be multiple chancres. A primary chancre typically appears around 3 weeks after infection but can appear as soon as 1 week or as long as 3 months after being infected. This will disappear after 2-6 weeks. 

If primary syphilis is left untreated, secondary syphilis develops in approximately 25% of people around 4-10 weeks after the initial chancre. Secondary syphilis may have the following symptoms: 

• Widespread rash, most severely affecting the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. The rash may be raised or itchy but is not usually painful
• Painful sores or white patches in the mouth or around the genitals
• Wart-like growths in the genital area
• Swollen lymph nodes 
• Flu-like symptoms e.g. fever, headache, joint and muscle pain
• Weight loss 
• Hair loss 

Secondary syphilis typically resolves spontaneously within 1–3 months and the disease enters what is known as the latent stage, which is largely asymptomatic. Syphilis can still be transmitted during the latent stage.

If left untreated, syphilis can lead to more serious health problems later down the line including neurological and cardiovascular disease. Getting tested is recommended if you have had sexual contact with a new partner, or if you have multiple partners.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B & C

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Often hepatitis B is naturally fought off by the body and you may never know you had it, but this may not happen for some people. Hepatitis B and C are often asymptomatic, however possible symptoms of an acute (recent) infection may include: 

• Mild fever
• Tiredness
• Abdominal discomfort 
• Lack of appetite 
• Jaundiced skin and eyes 
• Weight loss
• Rash

Symptoms of HIV

HIV does not produce any obvious symptoms so it's possible to have it for a long time without knowing. The infection attacks the body's immune system, making it difficult to fight off infections. Getting tested is the only way to find out if you have it or not. 

• If you do get symptoms of acute HIV infection, these may include:
• Flu-like illness i.e. fever, muscle and joint aches, fatigue, headache
• Excessive sweating, particularly at night 
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Unintentional weight loss
• Poor appetite or nausea

HIV left untreated leads to damage to the immune system to the point where it can no longer fight off common infections, this is known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Who should take this test?

Anyone who has engaged in unprotected sex with a new partner can take this test. It should be taken if you suspect you may have come into contact with syphilis, Hepatitis or HIV. 

How will I find out my results?

Once your sample arrives at our lab, it will be examined for signs of the syphilis, hepatitis B & C and HIV infections. You will receive a text message with your results within one day of your test arriving in our lab. If you didn't provide a phone number then your results will be emailed out to you. 

How to avoid STIs

Using condoms during sex is the best way to avoid STIs from spreading. It's recommended to use condoms with every new partner unless you are in a committed partnership where you are sure of each other's sexual health. This includes using condoms during oral and anal sex. 

Is this test suitable for men who have sex with men?

This test is suitable for men who have sex with men and will detect infections which have been passed on during oral or anal sex.

Is the test confidential?

The test is confidential and the details will not be shared with anyone. 

What should I do if I get a positive result?

If your test comes back positive, you should speak to your doctor as soon as possible to receive the correct treatment. You may need to carry out another test to confirm the diagnosis. You will need to inform any current sexual partners as they will also need to get tested and treated. You should also contact past partners to let them know that you have a sexually transmitted infection so they can get tested too.

Will anyone be able to tell what’s inside the package?

Your test kit will arrive in plain, discreet packaging. Nobody will be able to tell what is inside the package.

Is the test the same for men and women?

This test can be used for both men and women. 

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