If you are concerned about your test we'd be happy to help you interpret. You are welcome to send your inquiry to [email protected].

Thanks for your message. 5 days is a little early to test with the INSTI HIV Self Test. If you got a negative result, the recommendation is to test again at 3 months from the sexual contact/potential exposure to HIV date, since HIV antibodies would be detectable at that time.

@@Biolytical I did tested yesterday and it was negative but it still had to wait for another 2 more days but I got another but that test sure made me felt calmer and I would like to say thank you for making this and saving hundreds or millions of lives

Thank you for your message. It's not necessary to test again if your first test was done 90 days after the exposure date. If your negative result was before the 90 mark, we would recommend testing again.

Hello. Thank you for messaging us about your test. Would you be able to send us an email at [email protected] with some details regarding the test not working? One of our technical experts can look into this for you.

Hello. Thanks for messaging us. The solution is designed to absorb quickly, however, environmental factors such as humidity and temperature may impact the speed of absorption. Normally, the solutions are absorbed quickly as the test is designed to take 60 seconds to complete. If the solution takes longer than 5 minutes to absorb, the test be aborted and a new test carried out. If the test/control dot(s) are visible, this means the test is valid.

Thank you for your message. There is no HIV present in any of the INSTI Test solutions.

Hello. It is ok if the C dot appears lighter than the instructions or training video. As long as the membrane shows the C dot, it means the test was performed correctly. Regarding the second dot that appeared once you pushed the membrane with your finger. The INSTI flow-through (immunofiltration) platform is designed to provide immediate reactions without the need for physical pressure or longer reaction times. In some situations where the procedure may have a user fault condition, such as applying physical pressure to the membrane or going past the reaction time (over 1 hour), non-specific binding can occur, and a second dot can occur. Basically, results after physically touching the membrane (and past the one-hour mark) should not be considered, but as this happened after the test that was valid (control dot), the result would be interpreted as non-reactive.

@@Biolyticalhow accurate is this test result , around 46 days of exposure, I know some window period is 90 days

@@gohaniv8134 Thanks for your question. After exposure to HIV, it can take the average person anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks (21-84 days) to develop enough antibodies for a screening test to detect them. This is called the serological window period. Some individuals may produce antibodies 21-22 days (approximately 3 weeks) after infection and thus may test positive (if infected) with an antibody test, but this is dependent on the person and can take up to 3 months to produce sufficient antibodies (IgG or IgM) to generate a positive result. About 97% of people will develop detectable antibodies during this window period. It is recommended to wait at least 21 days (or 3 weeks) to test for the first time. We also recommend testing again at the 90 day mark as different individuals can develop antibodies in different timeframes.

A control dot will not appear if only buffer solution is used. The test needs human blood to run successfully.

same ...

Hello - thanks for letting us know how the test worked. As long as you see a control dot, this means the test worked. Sometimes the dot will not be as dark as the video or instructions for use, but a dot is a dot and means the test worked and was valid. We are glad to hear your result was negative. Have a safe and good weekend ahead!

Hello - thanks for your patience. To help explain how HIV testing works first. If infected with HIV, generally the body will produce antibodies anywhere between 3 and 12 weeks after infection (about 97% of people). This is called the serological window period. This can happen with or without symptoms as not everyone who contracts HIV will develop an acute infection with symptoms. Some individuals may produce antibodies 21-22 days (approximately 3 weeks) after infection and thus may test positive (if infected) with an antibody test, but this is dependent on the person and can take up to 3 months to produce sufficient antibodies (IgG or IgM) to generate a positive result. About 97% of people will develop detectable antibodies during this window period. It is recommended to wait at least 21 days (or 3 weeks) to test for the first time. While some antibody tests can detect HIV antibodies within 21 days (such as the INSTI® test), we do recommend testing again at 3 months as each individual may develop antibodies at different times.

Hello. Thanks for reaching out. To help you understand how HIV testing works and when tests can detect an infection, here is some information on the testing window. After exposure to HIV, it can take the average person anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks (21-84 days) to develop enough antibodies for a screening test to detect them. This is called the serological window period. Some individuals may produce antibodies 21-22 days (approximately 3 weeks) after infection and thus may test positive (if infected) with an antibody test, but this is dependent on the person and can take up to 3 months to produce sufficient antibodies (IgG or IgM) to generate a positive result. About 97% of people will develop detectable antibodies during this window period. As you tested more than 21 days after exposure, it is possible that you are within the timeframe to test. However, as it is under 90 days (3 months), we do recommend to take another test at three months to confirm as some people do take longer to develop antibodies.

6 months

Hello, thanks for messaging. Those are great tips to help the blood collection go more smoothly. We are glad to hear your result was negative and you feel some reassurance.

Hello - thanks for your patience in response. If the control dot is visible, it does mean the test was run correctly. Sometimes, the dot may not be a dark as the training video and may appear more faint. however, if you can see the dot, it does mean the test was run correctly.

Hello, thanks for reaching out to us. The dot you see may not appear as dark as in the picture. But as long as you see a dot, even if it is faint - this means the test was conducted properly.

Hello - thank you for your message. It is helpful to understand the HIV testing window to understand how rapid tests detect the presence of the HIV virus. If infected with HIV, generally the body will produce antibodies anywhere between 3 and 12 weeks after infection (about 97% of people). This is called the serological window period. This can happen with or without symptoms as not everyone who contracts HIV will develop an acute infection with symptoms. Some individuals may produce antibodies 21-22 days (approximately 3 weeks) after infection and thus may test positive (if infected) with an antibody test, but this is dependent on the person and can take up to 3 months to produce sufficient antibodies (IgG or IgM) to generate a positive result. About 97% of people will develop detectable antibodies during this window period. It is recommended to wait at least 21 days (or 3 weeks) to test for the first time. While some antibody tests can detect HIV antibodies within 21 days (such as the INSTI® test), we do recommend testing again at 3 months as each individual may develop antibodies at different times. If exposed to HIV, tests after 90 days are very reliable. AIDS occurs if HIV is not treated and is considered stage 3. From the CDC: HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). So if the patient has AIDS, their viral load would be high enough, that a rapid test should capture this diagnosis. However, we always recommend to confirm with your Dr or medical professional for individual care.

Hi HanHsu, thank you for letting us know. Glad to hear the test worked for you and that the results are negative. Great to test again at the 90 day mark as well!

Hello. Thanks for your message. If you see a control dot (at the top), it does mean your test was performed correctly. Sometimes the dot can appear a bit faint. If you would like, you can send a picture if you have one to [email protected] and we can take a look for you.

Hello, Thank you for messaging us. To confirm, when you did the test, did the C dot appear at the 12 o’clock position? If the C dot was visible, this means the test was valid.

Hallo, Vielen Dank, dass Sie uns geschrieben haben. Wenn Sie [email protected] kontaktieren und Ihre Chargennummer (sollte auf der Verpackung stehen), die Bestellnummer und den Ort des Kaufs (z. B. die Apotheke) angeben, können wir Ihnen bei der Beschaffung eines Ersatztests behilflich sein. Vielen Dank und einen schönen und sicheren Tag.

@@Biolytical Hallo, vielen Dank für die schnelle Antwort. Ich werde Ihnen sofort eine E-mail schicken mit den geforderten Unterlagen. Vielen vielen Dank!

@@kilianmarubi Gern geschehen. Ich habe unserem Kundendienstteam mitgeteilt, dass Sie die Dokumente senden werden. Ein schönes Wochenende.

​@@BiolyticalHallo, ich habe die E-mail bereits vor 3 Stunden geschickt. Vielen Dank!

@@Biolytical Hallo, ich habe noch keine Antwort erhalten. Ich habe sie unter der von Ihnen angegebenen E-mail zugeschickt. Können Sie das bitte prüfen? Vielen Dank

as well, 2 drops of blood fell inside the bottle instead of 1

Hello. An invalid response means that the test was not conducted properly. This could be due to not collecting enough blood or storing the kit incorrectly (outside the specified temperature range) as examples. If the control dot does not appear, this means the test was invalid and another test must be conducted.

INSTI ofrece una precisión increíblemente alta de más del 99%. Los resultados son fiables y se puede obtener un resultado positivo antes de los tres meses. Sin embargo, algunas personas pueden tardar hasta 3 meses (12 semanas) en desarrollar los anticuerpos que detectan las pruebas rápidas. Recomendamos que si hay exposición dentro de los 3 meses, vuelva a hacerse la prueba a los 90 días. Para conocer el contexto en torno a la ventana de prueba del VIH, consulte lo siguiente: Si está infectado con el VIH, generalmente el cuerpo producirá anticuerpos entre 3 y 12 semanas después de la infección (alrededor del 97% de las personas). Esto se llama el período de ventana serológica. Esto puede ocurrir con o sin síntomas, ya que no todas las personas que contraen el VIH desarrollarán una infección aguda con síntomas. Algunas personas pueden producir anticuerpos 21-22 días (aproximadamente 3 semanas) después de la infección y, por lo tanto, pueden dar positivo (si están infectados) con una prueba de anticuerpos, pero esto depende de la persona y puede tomar hasta 3 meses para producir suficientes anticuerpos (IgG o IgM) para generar un resultado positivo. Alrededor del 97% de las personas desarrollarán anticuerpos detectables durante este período de ventana. Se recomienda esperar al menos 21 días (o 3 semanas) para realizar la prueba por primera vez. Si bien algunas pruebas de anticuerpos pueden detectar anticuerpos contra el VIH dentro de los 21 días (como la prueba INSTI®), recomendamos volver a realizar la prueba a los 3 meses, ya que cada individuo puede desarrollar anticuerpos en diferentes momentos.

Hello Arshdeep. Thank you for messaging us. To help understand when to test for HIV and how the virus works, it is helpful to share the HIV testing window. After exposure to HIV, it can take the average person anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks (21-84 days) to develop enough antibodies for a screening test to detect them. This is called the serological window period. Some individuals may produce antibodies 21-22 days (approximately 3 weeks) after infection and thus may test positive (if infected) with an antibody test, but this is dependent on the person and can take up to 3 months to produce sufficient antibodies (IgG or IgM) to generate a positive result. About 97% of people will develop detectable antibodies during this window period. It is recommended to wait at least 21 days (or 3 weeks) to test for the first time. We also recommend testing again at the 90 day mark as different individuals can develop antibodies in different timeframes. Hope that helps explain how the HIV testing window works.

But is it possible that body starts generating anti bodies as soon the symptoms start to occur?

@@Arshu_0005 Hello Arshdeep. Thanks for your question. If infected with HIV, generally the body will produce antibodies anywhere between 3 and 12 weeks after infection (about 97% of people). This can happen with or without symptoms as not everyone who contracts HIV will develop an acute infection with symptoms. Some people may develop a flu-like illness 2-4 weeks after the virus enters the body, but not everyone does. While some antibody tests can detect HIV antibodies within 21 days (such as the INSTI® test), we do recommend to test again at 3 months as each individual may develop antibodies at different times.

@@Arshu_0005 Hello Arshdeep. Thanks for your question. If infected with HIV, generally the body will produce antibodies anywhere between 3-12 weeks after infection, but this will happen with or without symptoms. Some people may not experience any symptoms and so the body (if infected) will develop antibodies regardless of the presence of symptoms.

@@Biolyticalwhat if you waited 2 to take the self test and it shows negative that means it work?

Hello Road to Sweden, Thanks for messaging us. The solution in bottle one (and those in bottles 2 and 3) do not contain live or active HIV. Bottle 1 is used as a diluent and acts to break up (lyses) the red blood cells in the sample. So though you touched the bottle with a wound, you cannot contract HIV through this. Hope that helps. Have a great and safe week ahead!

@@Biolytical Thank you for the answer, but when I called one of the numbers with the test, he told me that it could be a doubt and you have to retake the test after three months

​@@bra188 Hello. Thanks for writing back. Relating to the 90 days, this is likely regarding the HIV testing window. After exposure to HIV, it can take the average person anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks (21-84 days) to develop enough antibodies for a screening test to detect them. This is called the serological window period. Some individuals may produce antibodies 21-22 days (approximately 3 weeks) after infection and thus may test positive (if infected) with an antibody test, but this is dependent on the person and can take up to 3 months to produce sufficient antibodies (IgG or IgM) to generate a positive result. About 97% of people will develop detectable antibodies during this window period. It is recommended to wait at least 21 days (or 3 weeks) to test for the first time. However, you would not be exposed due to solution bottle #1. I cannot speak for who you spoke to, but they likely meant when you might have been exposed rather than when you touched the bottle. Hope that helps - but if you have any other questions/concerns, please reach out again.

He said exactly that if you touch the liquid and the wound is open, there is danger, so you must do the test, you must tell people the truth not to touch the liquid because it is dangerous, and do not think about protecting your product only, the health and life of the individual is more important than everything, do not imagine my condition now After hearing what he said this.

@@bra188 Hello. Thank you for sharing your concerns. Please contact our technical support team on 1.866.674.6784 x 200 or [email protected] and we’d be happy to provide you with the Safety Data Sheet for the INSTI Test which lists the safety data for each component in the test. There is no risk of being infected with HIV from the INSTI test as there is no HIV present in the product (solution bottles, membrane unit, or any test components.) The test does not detect HIV itself, but the antibodies produced in response to the virus. With regards to the open wound, the recommendation would be to wash your hands thoroughly and follow up with a doctor should you experience any pain or irritation.

Hola Christian, Gracias por enviarnos un mensaje. Disculpe mi español ya que no es mi idioma nativo. Para ayudar a responder esta pregunta, es útil explicar cómo funciona la ventana de prueba del VIH. Después de la exposición al VIH, la persona promedio puede tardar de 3 a 12 semanas (21 a 84 días) en desarrollar suficientes anticuerpos para que una prueba de detección los detecte. Esto se llama el período de ventana serológica. Algunas personas pueden producir anticuerpos 21-22 días (aproximadamente 3 semanas) después de la infección y, por lo tanto, pueden dar positivo (si están infectados) con una prueba de anticuerpos, pero esto depende de la persona y puede tomar hasta 3 meses para producir suficientes anticuerpos ( IgG o IgM) para generar un resultado positivo. Alrededor del 97% de las personas desarrollarán anticuerpos detectables durante este período de ventana. Se recomienda esperar al menos 21 días (o 3 semanas) para realizar la prueba por primera vez. Recomendamos que se realice una segunda prueba después de 90 días para confirmar el resultado, ya que algunas personas tardan más en desarrollar anticuerpos. Esperemos que eso ayude. Háganos saber si tiene alguna otra pregunta. Siempre estaremos encantados de ayudar. Mantente a salvo y amable y que tengas una buena semana.

Hello Michael, Thanks for messaging us. To help answer this question, it is useful to explain how the HIV testing window works. After exposure to HIV, it can take the average person anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks (21-84 days) to develop enough antibodies for a screening test to detect them. This is called the serological window period. Some individuals may produce antibodies 21-22 days (approximately 3 weeks) after infection, and thus may test positive (if infected) with an antibody test, but this is dependent on the person and can take up to 3 months to produce sufficient antibodies (IgG or IgM) to generate a positive result. About 97% of people will develop detectable antibodies during this window period. It is recommended to wait at least 21 days (or 3 weeks) to test for the first time. We do recommend that a second test is taken after 90 days to confirm the result as some people do take longer to develop antibodies. Hopefully that helps - please let us know if you have any other questions - we are always happy to help. Stay safe and have a nice and kind week ahead.

@have you tested again??

@@Onlyonemesh Help me sir I have a question.. I had protected sex using condom but after 3days I had a cough with sore so I decided to have hiv testing after 2weeks rapid test which is negative but my worries are I have joint pain though I am not sure if its burns or pain they just shoot in my hands and feet anyone to help me understand what's going on. Thank you

Hello Punjabi Vlogger, Thanks for messaging us. Thank you for your patience. To help answer this question, it is useful to explain how the HIV testing window works. After exposure to HIV, it can take the average person anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks (21-84 days) to develop enough antibodies for a screening test to detect them. This is called the serological window period. Some individuals may produce antibodies 21-22 days (approximately 3 weeks) after infection, and thus may test positive (if infected) with an antibody test, but this is dependent on the person and can take up to 3 months to produce sufficient antibodies (IgG or IgM) to generate a positive result. About 97% of people will develop detectable antibodies during this window period. It is recommended to wait at least 21 days (or 3 weeks) to test for the first time. We do recommend that a second test is taken after 90 days to confirm the result as some people do take longer to develop antibodies. Hopefully that helps - please let us know if you have any other questions - we are always happy to help. Stay safe and kind and have a nice week.

Hi Abdu, Sorry for the delayed response, and thank you for your patience. After exposure to HIV, it can take the average person anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks (21-84 days) to develop enough antibodies for a screening test to detect them. This is called the serological window period. Some individuals may produce antibodies 21-22 days (approximately 3 weeks) after infection, and thus may test positive (if infected) with an antibody test, but this is dependent on the person and can take up to 3 months to produce sufficient antibodies (IgG or IgM) to generate a positive result. About 97% of people will develop detectable antibodies during this window period. It is recommended to wait at least 21 days (or 3 weeks) to test for the first time. We do recommend that a second test is taken after 90 days to confirm the result as some people do take longer to develop antibodies. You can test at 2 months and 15 days, but we do recommend that a second test is conducted after 90 days to confirm the result as some people can take longer to develop antibodies. Hopefully that helps - please let us know if you have any other questions - we are always happy to help. Stay safe and kind and have a nice week ahead.

Hello. Solution/bottle #3 is a clarifying solution that helps wash away any background stains from the membrane.