Complete a short quiz to help decide if an HIV self-testing kit is the best option for you.
When used correctly, the HIV self-testing kit is highly accurate (99.6%).
Like other HIV tests, the HIV self-testing kit may not detect HIV that has been acquired in the last three months. If you think you may have acquired HIV in the last three months, it is important to speak to a doctor or visit a sexual health clinic.
In extremely rare cases, the HIV self-testing kit may return a reactive result when HIV is not present (this is known as a false positive result).
If you do get a reactive result, it is important you have a a confirmatory test ordered by a doctor. You can find your closest service via our services map. A doctor will also be able to link you to support services and give you personalised information about HIV and treatment options.
If you wish to read more information about the HIV self-testing kits, please see the manufacturer’s website here.
Your HIV self-testing kit is completely free, including express delivery.
No payment details are required to order the tests and your personal data and delivery information will be stored securely and remain confidential.
You can find further information on our privacy page.
Your HIV self-testing kits will be delivered in a discreet, plain, unidentifiable express post package. There will be no labels or branding that could identify its contents.
We will send your kits to any address at which you feel comfortable receiving them, such as a PO box, your home address, or elsewhere. Please be mindful of your privacy when choosing where to receive your HIV self-testing kits.
Please note that we can only deliver to addresses in Australia covered by the Australia Post network.
If your order was placed before 11am on a business day, it will be shipped on the same day and should arrive in major cities within one to two business days. You will receive a tracking number via email on the same day your order is shipped.
You are not required to share the result of your test with anyone.
Our service will not contact you for your result.
However, if you receive a reactive result, to confirm your HIV status you will need to have a confirmation test ordered by a doctor. A doctor will also be able to link you to support services and give you personalised information about HIV and treatment options.
Use our services map to find your closest appropriate health services.
To ensure your privacy we collect only the minimum amount of necessary information:
The data we collect is stored securely and remains confidential. All identifiable information collected will be deleted within nine months of your last package delivery.
For more information, please see our privacy statement.
Anyone can contract HIV.
You should test as soon as possible if:
You should test at least once a year if you are having sex.
It is recommended that you test every three to six months if you're a man (cis or trans) who has sex with more than one man and/or are in an open relationship with another man.
If you’re still unsure, or would like to speak to someone first, please see our services map to find the closest place to seek out in-person testing
You can also call directly to Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak to someone about HIV testing.
If you believe you have been exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours it is recommended that you seek out PEP or Post-Exposure Prophylaxis.
PEP should be started as soon as possible, ideally within a few hours after the potential exposure.
If it is not started within 72 hours (3 days) of exposure to HIV it is likely that the drug will be ineffective.
For more information on how to access PEP visit https://www.getpep.info/
If you’re still unsure, or would like to speak to someone first call directly to Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak to someone about where to access PEP.
HIV is a manageable condition and modern treatment is very effective. Effective treatment also means that HIV cannot be passed on to others during sex. HIV will not stop you doing the things that matter to you, such as entering into partnerships and marriage, having children, or working and studying.
Get more information on living with HIV
The HIV self-testing kit is highly accurate. However, a positive result on a self-testing HIV test will need to be confirmed by a confirmatory test ordered by a doctor. A doctor will also be able to link you to support services and give you personalised information about HIV and treatment options.
Use our services map to find your closest appropriate health services.
If you need to speak to someone immediately the following national hotlines are available 24/7:
Lifeline Support Line on 13 11 14
More information can be found in our HIV testing results section.
No.
Your HIV self-testing kit can only test you for HIV. It cannot test you for other medical conditions such as syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, gonorrhoea and chlamydia.
For a comprehensive sexual health screen, please contact your GP or local sexual health clinic or look for a nearby service on our services map.
Healthdirect provides up to date information on STIs or you can call them directly on 1800 022 222.
No.
The HIV self-testing kit detects antibodies in your blood that are made by your body in response to an HIV infection. These antibodies can take some time to occur, usually about 6 weeks, but it can take up to three months. This means that there could still be a risk that HIV is passed on, even if your partner has just tested negative on a HIV self-testing kit.
HIV prevention strategies such as U=U, PrEP and condoms are the most effective ways to stop HIV transmission.
People with HIV who are on effective treatment with an undetectable viral load cannot pass on HIV and are not a risk for HIV transmission.
If you are having sex, regular testing for HIV (once every three to 12 months) is the best way to ensure you know your status. You should also consider which HIV prevention strategies are best for you and your partner/s.
Yes. HIV testing and treatment is free* for everyone in Australia, even if you don’t have a Medicare card. This is because the Australian Government is committed to ending HIV transmissions in Australia by 2030 and improving the quality of life for all people with HIV.
*SA, TAS and VIC may charge a copayment for HIV treatment. NAPWHA continues to advocate for these states to drop the copayment so that free really means free, no matter where you are in Australia.
Want the latest on free and low-cost sexual health services and programs? Sign up for ‘The Update’ a newsletter that delivers information on key services straight to your inbox.
A negative result means the test did not detect any HIV antibodies in your blood.
Like other HIV tests, the HIV self-testing kit may not detect HIV that has been acquired in the last three months. If you have potentially been exposed to HIV in the last three months, you will need to test again in three months time. This period is known as the window period.
Your HIV self-testing kit can only test you for HIV. It cannot test you for other medical conditions such as syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, gonorrhoea and chlamydia.
For a comprehensive sexual health screen, please contact your GP or local sexual health clinic or look for a nearby service on our services map.
Testing regularly for HIV is recommended for anyone who is having sex or has shared injecting equipment.
Regular testing is the best way to know your status, make informed decisions about HIV prevention strategies, and get connected to care if you test positive.
The window period for an HIV test is the time between infection and when the virus can be reliably detected by a test. The window period depends on the type of HIV test. The tests provided through HIVTest.au have a window period of three months. This means the HIV self-testing kits may not detect HIV that has been acquired in the last three months.
If you receive a negative result, you should test again outside your HIV window period. For the tests provided through HIVTest.au, this means testing in at least another three months’ time.
If at any time you want to speak to someone directly see our services map or call
A reactive result means that you may be HIV positive. The test has reacted to specific antibodies in your blood, and this should be investigated further.
As it is possible to receive a reactive result that is actually incorrect (known as a false positive), medical professionals never rely on a single test to make an HIV positive diagnosis. If your self-test result is reactive, the result is only preliminary and must be verified with a confirmatory test ordered by a doctor. A doctor will also be able to link you to support services and give you personalised information about HIV and treatment options.
Use our services map to find your closest appropriate health services.
HIV is a manageable condition and people with HIV can live long, active, and healthy lives.
If you are diagnosed in a timely manner and take your medication as prescribed, you will not become unwell or experience problems with your immune system.
With the wide range of medications available, even a ‘late’ diagnosis (when HIV has begun to cause damage to the immune system) is now easier to treat than ever before.
Effective treatment also means that HIV cannot be passed on during sexual encounters. HIV will not stop you doing the things that matter to you, such as:
If you would like to speak to an HIV peer navigator (sometimes known as a peer support worker), use our services map to find the closest service to you or use this national guide to peer support services.
It is normal to feel strong emotions when you get a positive HIV result. You will feel better once you start taking action by receiving a confirmatory test and if positive, starting treatment.
If you want to talk to someone with lived experience of HIV, known as a HIV peer navigator or peer support worker please see the national guide to peer support services. Through these services, people with a new HIV diagnosis can receive support, advice, and reassurance from other people with HIV.
If you want to speak to someone about confirmatory testing, please see our services map to find your closest testing service. An in-person service will also be able to link you to support services and give you personalised information about HIV and treatment options.
If you feel distressed or if you need to speak to another person immediately, you should contact a 24/7 support service:
Lifeline Support Line on 13 11 14
If you need interpreting services, you can access immediate and free interpreting through TIS National.
You do not have to tell anyone about your result. If your self-test result is positive, the result is only preliminary and must be verified with a confirmatory test ordered by a doctor. We encourage you to speak to a health professional about your result as soon as possible.
There are many services available to talk to you about your result. These services include peer navigators - HIV positive people who can talk to you about your possible HIV diagnosis, Counsellors who specialise in HIV can also be provided by sexual health clinics. See our services map to find your closest service.
If you feel distressed or if you need to speak to another person immediately, you should contact a 24/7 support service:
Lifeline Support Line on 13 11 14
If you need interpreting services, you can access immediate and free interpreting through TIS National.
Be mindful of your privacy and who you tell. Resist the urge to tell people in your personal network, as reactions can be unpredictable. It is best to wait until you are comfortable with the situation, and you can manage people’s reactions. For more information see this disclosure guide.
Support Hotlines
The following national services offer 24/7 support, either online or on the phone.
Healthdirect: 1800 022 222
Lifeline Crisis Line: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Mensline: 1300 78 99 78
If you need interpreting services, you can access immediate and free interpreting through TIS National.
Peer Support Services
A peer support worker is a person living with HIV who has both lived experience and training to guide, refer, educate and connect you care and support you want and need.
This national guide to peer support services lists all services for people living with HIV accross Australia.
Currently, our service is only for people aged between 18 and 120 years.
Complete a short quiz to help decide if a HIV self-testing kit is the best option for you
