Delaware Free In-Home HIV Test Overview

Delaware Free In-Home HIV Test Overview 5

There are more options than ever to get tested for HIV! 

Delaware residents can get a FREE HIV test to take at home, or wherever is convenient.

The Delaware Division of Public Health is working with local agencies to distribute FDA-approved self-tests at no cost as another option to in-person HIV testing.

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It’s fast and easy. Just a swab of the mouth and 20 minutes later you have your results. Counseling is available before and after testing from the providing agency.

If you prefer to have an HIV test done by a healthcare provider, ask if the agency is offering in-person testing.

Delaware At-Home HIV Test – How Does it Work

How Does the Delaware FREE HIV Testing At Home Program Work?

  1. Call the participating agency nearest to you and say you are interested in getting a free HIV self test.
  2. After answering a few questions, you will be told your options for getting the HIV self test, either you will pick it up at the agency or you may be able to have it sent to you.
  3. Once you have the HIV self test, follow the provided instructions. It will take approximately half an hour to do the test and get results.
  4. Follow up with the agency that provided your HIV self test to go over your results and discuss next steps. It is encouraged that you check back with the agency after your test regardless of the outcome.

If my HIV test is negative...

Consider your ongoing HIV prevention strategy. This may include PrEP, for people who do not have HIV and want added protection.

Talk with your healthcare provider about whether you should schedule a follow-up test. The “window” period when HIV antibodies are detected by a test can take up to 12 weeks after exposure.

If you think you have been exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours, PEP – post exposure prophylaxis – may be an option.

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If my HIV test is positive...

A positive HIV self-test needs to be confirmed by a blood test in medical setting.

If the follow-up test is also positive, you will start daily antiretroviral medication to lower your viral load. While not a cure, it is possible to reduce the viral load to levels undetectable by lab tests.

When HIV is undetectable it cannot be passed to others through sex.

With ongoing treatment, you can live a healthy, normal lifespan.

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Let’s Talk About HIV Testing – General Page Promotion

Who should get tested for HIV? How often to get tested? What kind of tests are available?

Get answers to these and more frequently-asked questions about HIV and STD testing. Also find FREE and low-cost testing near you.

Watch videos of real people sharing why they get tested.

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Delaware Homepage

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A public information partnership of Delaware Division of Public Health and Greater Than HIV.

For testing, PrEP and HIV treatment resources in Delaware, call (302) 744-1050 or visit Delaware.gov.