AIDS is a serious disease that can be fatal. You can determine if you are infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1), the virus that causes AIDS, by taking a test for the presence of antibodies to the virus. A sample for testing can now be collected in your own home. There are a number of different HIV home collection test systems and kits that have appeared on the market, available through the Internet and through magazine or newspaper promotions. However, only one HIV-1 Home Collection Test System is currently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA):Home Access Express HIV-1 Test System manufactured by Home Access Health Corporation. The other HIV-1 home test kits being advertised have not been approved by the FDA for use and marketing in the United States. These unapproved HIV home test kits claim to detect antibodies to HIV-1, the virus that causes AIDS, in blood or saliva, providing results in the home in fifteen minutes or less.
