An accurate HIV Test is so important

How accurate is an at-home HIV test?

HIV test accuracy is commonly described using two measures: sensitivity and specificity.

• Sensitivity describes how well a test identifies HIV when HIV is present. A test with lower sensitivity has a greater chance of producing a false-negative result.
• Specificity describes how well a test gives a non-reactive result when HIV is not present. A test with lower specificity has a greater chance of producing a false-reactive result.

How accurate an HIV self-test is depends on the specific test, the type of sample used, how soon testing takes place after a possible exposure and whether the test is performed and interpreted correctly.

The World Health Organization considers HIV self-testing a safe, accurate and effective testing option. However, it is important to follow the Instructions for Use supplied with the specific test, because mistakes during sample collection, testing or result interpretation can affect performance.

You can read more about timing and HIV test window periods on our When to test for HIV? page.

The sensitivity and specificity figures for an individual HIV self-test can be found in the manufacturer's Instructions for Use supplied with that test. You can also view our available HIV tests here.

A reactive HIV self-test result does not by itself confirm an HIV diagnosis and requires appropriate follow-up testing. A non-reactive result may also need to be repeated if testing was performed during the applicable window period.