HIV test FAQ

Up HIV test FAQ Info HIV test

HIV test frequently asked questions (FAQ's)

  1. How accurate is the MiraTes HIV test ?
  2. What should I do if my test result is positive ?
  3. Does a negative test result mean that I am not HIV infected ?
  4. Where can I ask questions ?
  5. Who should test for HIV ?
  6. Is the MiraTes HIV test suitable to be used as a home test device ?
  7. Where can I buy the MiraTes HIV test ?
  8. How long should I wait to test when I have been at risk ?
  9. I do not see a dot in the test result but a faint, pink cloudlike form. Is that to be interpreted as a negative of a positive test result ?

How accurate is the MiraTes HIV test ?

In independent studies the accuracy of the MiraTes HIV test has been assessed. The accuracy has been found quite comparable with the standard laboratory tests with percentages around 99,5 %.

However, as with standard laboratory tests, false positive results do occur. For this test this is 0,3%.

When testing in low risk populations, false positives will occur more often in relation to true positives. For this reason it is always necessary to reconfirm positive test results.

Negative test results do not have to be reconfirmed if obtained correctly following the instructions. The MiraTes HIV test is one of the most accurate HIV tests worldwide.

top of this page main page hiv consumer information hiv test instructions of use order information

What should I do if my test result is positive ?

A positive or unclear testline result should be retested to confirm the first result. A repeatedly positive test result is reason to assume the presence of antibodies against HIV.

Never interpret a positive test result as absolute proof of an HIV infection or AIDS. All repeatedly positive or unclear test results should be reconfirmed by other methods, as the Western Blot laboratory test or other suitable methods.

If the test result is positive, we advise you to consult a doctor. If necessary, change your lifestyle and habits to exclude the possibility of infecting other people, until you are certain you are not infected with HIV.

Does a negative test result mean that I am not HIV infected ?

If the result is negative, you can assume the absence of HIV antibodies in the blood sample. Also in this respect our test is highly accurate (more than 99,9 %). You may conclude that you are not infected. However, a negative test result does not entirely exclude the exposure to, or infection with HIV.

Generally, it is not considered necessary to reconfirm a negative test result, so you do not have to do a second, confirmatory, test.

Important notice: After infection, it takes time before the antibodies can be detected. This takes usually 3 months but may take 6 months or even longer with some patients. Even a highly sensitive test as the Mirates® Rapid HIV Screen test can not detect a possible infection during this incubation period. It is therefore possible to have a negative test result and still be infected.

Where can I ask questions ?

If you experience physical complaints or have positive or unclear test results, we advise you to consult a doctor.

For questions about the MiraTes HIV test, you can contact Mirates as follows :

Mirates international toll free helpdesk : +800 HOME TEST ( 00-800-46638378)

or
T : +31-10-262 13 38
F: +31-10-262 43 71
e-mail: doctor@mirates.com or info@mirates.com

If you prefer, you can also contact Meerburg Pharmacy at the following address and numbers for ordering :
Meerburg Pharmacy B.V.
Dorpsweg 160c
3083 LK Rotterdam
the Netherlands
T. : +31-10-4531700
F. : +31-20-5248322
e-mail : info@meerburgpharmacy.com

If you have general questions about HIV and AIDS including general aspects about testing for HIV, you may also contact independent organizations dealing with HIV and AIDS as there are in most countries.

Who should test for HIV ?

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Everybody can become infected. Most infected persons look and feel well, but may infect others unknowingly. Most common causes of infection are:

  • unprotected sexual contacts with infected persons
  • repeated use of needles in connection with drugs
  • use of unsafe blood products or transfusion with infected blood
  • transfer of infection from a zero-positive mother to her child

Most HIV infected persons develop AIDS. New treatments have shown a considerable improvement of life-expectancy and quality of life, particularly upon early diagnosis. Most countries have set up extensive help programs, that ensure proper treatment and good care.

Infections of unborn children can be prevented in most cases, if early diagnosis is made. Many governments across the world strongly recommend, or even oblige HIV testing for all pregnant women.

Is the MiraTes HIV test suitable to be used as a home test device ?

Yes, the MiraTes HIV test is suitable to be used both at home and in a medical setting. Supported by our help desk, our HIV test has proven to meet considerable demand in OTC and mail order sales. Our HIV home test is approved for free sale in pharmacies in The Netherlands since 2000.

Where can I buy the MiraTes HIV test ?

Meerburg Pharmacy will send you the home tests by priority mail in a neutral discrete envelope (fitting in standard letter-boxes) to ensure your privacy. click here for prices and information

How long should I wait to test when I have been at risk ?

If you have reason to regard an infection of yourself or your sexual partner(s) as possible, it is wise to test yourself and your partner(s).
After an infection, the human body processes antibodies in an attempt to fight the virus. It takes some time to do this, and therefore takes some time to detect the infection by detecting the antibodies.
This process usually takes about 3 months, but can take 6 months or even longer in some cases. Even a highly sensitive test as the MiraTes HIV test can not detect an infection during this incubation period. It is therefore possible to obtain a negative test result but still be infected.
For a reliable test result it is important to consider this so called 'window period' of 6 months. We advise to wait 6 months before testing for HIV.

I do not see a clear line in the test result but a faint, pink cloudlike form. Is that to be interpreted as a negative of a positive test result ?

Examples of a positive test result :
Examples of a negative test result :
Examples of an invalid test result :

top of this page main page hiv consumer information hiv test instructions of use order information

Copyright © 1999-2008 Meerburg Pharmacy b.v. Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Last update: 05.25.08 (this page)
All trademarks and registered marks are the properties of their respective companies
For company and contact information please click to our introduction page