Types of At-Home Testing Kits

Figuring out how to test yourself can feel complicated, but we are here to make it easy in the comfort of your own home. No matter which kit you choose, each one comes with simple steps and private results so you can take charge of your health on your own time.

A "window period" is the time it takes for your body to produce enough antibodies to be detected. Make sure to check the window periods with your most recent exposure to determine what test is best for you!

Below are videos and written instructions on how to use each of our at-home testing kits.

HIV Tests

Oraquick

OraQuick Instructions

🛑 Before you start, follow these rules for 30 minutes before you take the test:

  • DO NOT eat or drink.
  • DO NOT brush your teeth or use mouthwash.
  • REMOVE dentures or any dental products.

Step 1: Set up the Tube

  • Take the cap off the tube.
  • Slide the tube into the stand so it stays upright.

⚠️ Careful: Do not spill the liquid inside.

Step 2: Swab Your Gums

  • Take the test stick out of its wrapper. Do not touch the flat pad with your fingers.
  • Press the flat pad against your upper gum and wipe it all the way across one time.
  • Flip it over and press the flat pad against your lower gum and wipe it all the way across one time.

Step 3: Start the Test

  • Put the test stick into the tube until it touches the bottom.
  • Start your timer for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Read the Results

When the 20 minutes are up, you may read your results.

✅
1 Line (at the 'C'): Negative Result This means the test did not detect HIV antibodies.
📞
2 Lines (even if one is faint): Positive Result Please call us at 816.753.5144. We are here to help.
🔄
No Lines or No 'C' Line: Test Did Not Work You will need to re-test.

This test checks for HIV by using a simple swab to collect fluid from your upper and lower gums (90-day window).

INSTI

INSTI Instructions

🛑 Before you start:

  • Read and follow the instructions carefully.
  • Ensure your testing area is clean and well-lit.
  • Wash and dry your hands before beginning.

Step 1: Prepare the Test and Sample Bottle

  • Open the test device pouch and place the device on a flat surface.
  • Remove the cap from Bottle 1 and set it on a flat surface. Keep the cap nearby.
  • Twist and pull the blue tip out of the lancet to prepare it for use.

Step 2: Collect the Blood Sample

  • Rub your finger until it is warm to encourage blood flow.
  • Place the lancet against the side of your fingertip and press firmly until you hear a click.
  • Massage your finger to form a large, round drop of blood.
  • Let exactly one drop of blood fall into Bottle 1. Do not scrape your finger on the bottle rim.
  • Recap Bottle 1 and apply the bandage to your finger.

Step 3: Run the Test

  • Bottle 1: Shake the bottle four times, then pour all of the liquid into the center of the test device. Wait for the liquid to disappear completely.
  • Bottle 2: Shake the bottle four times and pour all of the liquid into the test device. You may need to tap the bottle gently to get all the liquid out. Wait for the liquid to disappear.
  • Bottle 3: Shake the bottle four times and pour all of the liquid into the test device. Wait until the liquid disappears.

Step 4: Read the Results

Read your results immediately after the liquid from Bottle 3 has disappeared.

✅
1 Dot (Control Dot only): Negative Result If you may have been exposed recently, it is recommended to test again in three months.
📞
2 Dots (Control and Test Dots): Positive Result One dot may be lighter than the other. Please seek medical follow-up at a clinic to confirm the result.
🔄
No Dots or No Control Dot: Invalid Result The test did not work. You will need to re-test with a new kit or visit a clinic.

This test checks for HIV by using a quick prick to collect one large drop of blood from your finger (21-day window).

STI Tests

First to Know Syphilis Test Instructions

🛑 Before you start, follow these rules for 30 minutes before you take the test:

  • DRINK a glass of water to stay hydrated.
  • WARM UP your hands by washing them in warm water or shaking them to get blood flowing.

Step 1: Prepare the Lancet

  • Hold the Lancet by its flat sides.
  • Twist the gray cap a quarter turn to unlock it.
  • Twist it 5 or 6 more times, then pull the cap straight off.

⚠️ Careful: Do not press the release button yet!

Step 2: Prick Your Finger

  • Clean the side of your fingertip with the alcohol swab.
  • Place the Lancet against the side of your finger.
  • Press the button. You will feel a quick prick.
  • Squeeze your finger from the base to the tip until you have a large, full drop of blood.

Step 3: Fill the Test

  • Touch the tip of the test stick directly to the blood drop.
  • Keep adding drops until the "Fill Zone" window is completely full of blood.
  • Tap the other end of the test twice on a table to make sure the blood moves inside.

Step 4: Wait and Read

Lay the test flat and start your timer for 15 minutes. When the time is up, read your results.

✅
1 Line (at the 'C'): Negative Result This means the test did not detect syphilis antibodies.
📞
2 Lines (at 'C' and 'T'): Positive Result Please call us at 816.753.5144. We are here to help.
🔄
No Line at 'C': Test Did Not Work You will need to retest.

This test looks for syphilis by using a quick prick to collect one small drop of blood from your finger (90-day window).

First To Know

This test checks for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis by having you mail a small urine sample to a lab (14-day window).

SHK

SHK Written Instructions

🛑 Before you start, follow these rules for 30 minutes before you take the test:

  • ONLY COLLECT your sample on Sunday through Thursday.
  • PLAN to drop your sample off at USPS within 24 hours of collecting it.

Step 1: Register Your Kit

  • Go to app.simplehealthkit.com or scan the QR code on your card.
  • Log in or create a new account.
  • Enter the Sample ID found next to the QR code to register your kit.
  • You must finish this registration before you collect your sample.

Step 2: Collect Your Sample

  • Fill out the sample label with your name, birthday, and today's date, then stick it on the collection tube.
  • Push the center of the urine cup to expand it.
  • Pee into the cup until it is halfway full.
  • Use the pipette (the dropper) to move urine from the cup into the tube until it reaches the top of the label.
  • Close the tube cap very tightly.

Step 3: Mail the Kit

  • Place the tube into the Specimen Bag.
  • Place that bag inside the pre-labeled return envelope.
  • Drop the envelope at a USPS mailbox or Post Office within 24 hours.

Step 4: Get Your Results

  • Watch for a text message or email telling you your results are ready.
  • Log into the portal at app.simplehealthkit.com to view your results.
Order your at-home testing kit
Order your at-home testing kit