Talking about home testing for HIV

Tell your story

Anonanon01

Responses 

2

HIV diversity and tests

Hi, several years ago I had high-risk exposure (condom tear) while on holiday outside of UK. The female was of African origin. I say this without prejudice, but obviously from an area of the world with higher HIV rates, and as I have since found out, a high diversity of HIV groups, strains, and subtypes e.g.Hiv2, group O, group n, etc. My understanding is that group n and p are very rare (few hundred cases), so will maybe rule those out, but does the biosure test for hiv2 and various hiv1 subtypes, crf’s, and group O? I have taken 2 biosure tests, both negative, and a 4th gen test at hospital (all well outside window). Because of the type of risk, do I need a more specific test? I am very worried they may miss infection as had lots of symptoms. Is there any literature on what subtypes/groups the biosure test covers? Many thanks.

2 Responses

Becky, BioSure UK Limited
 Work on 04th August 2021

Hi anonanon01, Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. The BioSURE HIV Self Test is able to detect antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2 including all subtypes/groups. Since your exposure was unprotected it was a good idea to test. You do not need to do a more specific test; your negative results outside of the window period are confirmation that no transmission occurred years ago. I hope this helps. Kindest regards, Becky

ANONANON01
 Used on 03rd August 2021

Hi, I appreciate this is a technical question, but is there any reason this has not been answered? All I need to know is are the biosure tests safe to detect various types of HIV? And possible exposure outside of UK? Many thanks.

Post Your Response

  • Tell us your story
    1
  • Label your post
    2

Step 1. Tell your story

Feel free to complete the form below in your own words - write as much or as little as you like! Your comments will be appear anonymously on PEBL.