Hi Big Al, The buffer solution that is provided with the BioSURE HIV Self Test kit is completely harmless. It is made up of a mixture of phosphate buffers (to maintain the pH), antimicrobials, water, EDTA (prevents blood clotting) etc. We recommend to rinse thoroughly with water if the solution comes into contact with your eyes but it is harmless if the solution is on your skin or clothing. Kindest regards, Becky

Hello what is in the buffer in the self test kit

Hi Worried Individual. As I have said previously the test does not contain HIV. The test strip itself is sprayed with synthetic peptides that represent HIV antigens in order to detect the HIV antibodies. If there was any risk we would not have received a CE mark, the BioSure HIV self test cannot give you HIV. You have nothing to worry about. Kindest regards Francesca Bard, BioSure (UK) Ltd

Thank you for the response Francesca and information about the buffer pot solution. Your comment on the test containing synthetic antibodies to HIV has worried me though, doesn’t the test search for HIV using the detection of antibodies on the test strip from your blood and if so how are they already on the test? Also is there’s no way that if there is synthetic antibodies in the test that if they got into your body/blood that this could make your body produce more antibodies for HIV??

Hi worried individual. Yes, it is similar to hand sanitiser. The test does not contain HIV and therefore could not give you the virus. The test contains synthetic antibodies to HIV. I hope this helps put your mind at rest. Kindest regards Francesca Bard, BioSure (UK) Ltd

Thank you for your response again, my last question to try and fully understand, does the antimicrobrials that you are talking about in the buffer solution contain antibodies specific to HIV, or is it just like a hand sanitizer solution that kills all bacteria/virus? I’m asking because if the buffer solution contains anitibiodies specific to HIV getting them over my prick/cut could allow them into my body and cause HIV? Sorry for the so many questions. I really appreciate your time and responses.

Hi worried individual, the presence of the antimicrobial agent basically means that if there were any viruses, germs or infections that these could not cause harm to the user or anyone else. When we were going through the process of obtaining our CE mark we had to prove that our test was safe for the user and also that it could not harm anyone else as it is disposed of in household waste. I hope this helps put your mind at rest. Kindest regards Francesca Bard, BioSure (UK) Ltd

Thank you so much for your response Francesca, I really do appreciate your time and help. When you say that the buffer solution contains antimicrobial agents to ensure it is not harmful when spilt, what do you mean by this? Do you mean not harmful if your own blood and buffer combination is split over your hands/pricked fingers by accident after the test is over, when throwing away? The first part of your response makes sense because if it is for public use there would have to be no way at all that you could catch anything but I just wanted it verified because I don’t understand the process fully, is that what CE approved means? Thanks.

Hi Worried Individual. There is no way you can contract HIV from the BioSURE HIV self test. The test does not contain any form of HIV and the buffer solution actually contains antimicrobial agents to ensure it is not harmful if spilt. The test has been through numerous studies and trials and all have come to the same conclusion that the test is safe to use. I hope this helps put your mind at rest. Kindest regards Francesca Bard, BioSure (UK) Ltd