At Home HIV Test Cost 

How much does an at home HIV test cost? The answer is far more affordable than most people think. In today’s blog, we’ll discuss how to recognize the signs and symptoms of HIV. Once we take a closer look at the virus, we’ll answer the question of how much does a home HIV test kit cost?

Let’s get started.

What is HIV?

First, HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HIV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the United States.

HIV works by weakening your immune system. The virus destroys important defensive cells that are designed to help you fight off other diseases or infections. It can be transmitted by intravenous drug use and through childbirth, but the most common way people contract HIV is through vaginal, anal or oral sex.

The virus attacks your body in several distinct phases.

The Acute Illness Phase

The first phase of HIV symptoms may seem remarkably similar to the flu. These include:

•       body rash
•       fever
•       sore throat
•       severe headaches
•       fatigue
•       swollen lymph nodes
•       ulcers in the mouth or on the genitals
•       muscle aches and joint pain
•       nausea and vomiting
•       night sweats

Alternately, it’s possible that you won’t experience any signs or symptoms of HIV during this phase. This happens to a lot of infected people. The Acute Illness phase typically begins within two-to-four weeks after you are infected, but this phase can actually last for years. As you can imagine, this leads to many people being unaware, for quite a long time, of the fact that they are even infected.

The Asymptomatic Period

The second phase is referred to as the Asymptomatic Period. During this phase, most people will not notice any visible signs and symptoms of HIV. Like the Acute Illness phase, this Period can last a deceptively long time.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. During this phase, HIV is still ravaging your immune system. You may not feel sick, but the infection is replicating inside of you.

The Advanced Infection

Advanced Infection is the “final” stage of HIV infections. If left untreated until this point, your immune system will be highly weakened. Now your body will be far more susceptible to other illnesses.

This phase is often referred to as AIDS. During the Advanced Infection stage, you might experience the following AIDS symptoms:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• fatigue
• rapid weight loss
• shortness of breath
• fever
• chills
• night sweats
• rashes, sores, or lesions
• swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpits, groin, or neck
• memory loss, confusion, or neurological disorders 

How Much Does an HIV Test Cost at Home?

Routinely scheduled HIV testing is the only way to be absolutely sure of your status. You can test at a doctor’s office or clinic, but this method can easily become a time-consuming hassle. The most convenient way to test is by using myLAB Box’s quick-and-easy at-home HIV testing packages. These tests offer lab-certified results that can be checked discreetly online.

At myLAB Box, you won’t even need insurance. As you’ll see, the cost is only about half of the out-of-pocket price that you will have to pay at most medical facilities.  You can even use most FSA and HSA cards when purchasing your test(s). myLAB Box offers a selection of testing options, including several combination panel kits that allow you to test for multiple common infections with a single sample set. These options are more affordable than paying for each test individually. They will also give you a broader sense of your overall health.

HIV Test Cost and Options 

HIV Home Test ($79) – This focused test screens for just HIV. Other infections you can test for individually include: Trich, Genital Herpes, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, HPV (for women 30 years and older), Mycoplasma Genitalium, Syphilis, and Hepatitis C.

Safe Box ($189) – This 5-panel home STD test screens for five of the most common sexually transmitted infections: HIV (I & II), Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Trichomoniasis.

Uber Box ($269) – This option is the most popular myLAB Box testing kit! – This home 8-panel home STD screens for: HIV (I & II), Hepatitis C, HSV-2, Syphilis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Trichomoniasis.

Total Box ($369-399) – This option is the most comprehensive home testing kit on the market! – This 14-panel test kit includes: HIV (I & II), Hepatitis C, HSV-2, Syphilis, Chlamydia (genital, throat and rectal), Gonorrhea (genital, throat and rectal), Trichomoniasis and Mycoplasma genitalium. Women who are 30 years of age or older can add the option to test for HPV.

Checking Your Results

After testing, you may learn that you are HIV positive. In this case, myLAB Box will provide you with a free phone consultation with a physician or medical professional on the same day that you get your results online. This is included in your HIV test cost. While HIV is a serious disease, it is no longer the death sentence that it once was. With proper medication and treatment, there is no reason you shouldn’t continue to lead a happy and healthy life.

HIV may sound scary, but regular screenings will help you to keep a close eye on your personal status. In the end, HIV test cost should not be a reason for people to avoid being tested. This is why myLAB Box designs its tests to be as convenient and affordable as possible.

With these extensive testing options and affordable prices for testing at home, there are no excuses. So don’t stress, just test!

REFERENCES:

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3. Husain NE, Ahmed MH. (2014). Managing dyslipidemia in HIV/AIDS patients: challenges and solutions. HIV AIDS (Auckl).
4. Azuine RE, Singh GK, Ekejiuba SE, Ashu E, Azuine MA. (2014). Global Health Donor Presence, Variations in HIV/AIDS Prevalence, and External Resources for Health in Developing Countries in Africa and Asia. Int J MCH AIDS.
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