The INSTI HIV Self Test is similar to the one HIV “rapid test” approved for use in all of Canada’s provinces and territories for point-of-care programs (INSTI HIV-1/HIV-2 Antibody Test®) and it is produced by the same manufacturer, bioLytical Laboratories. The INSTI HIV Self Test is similar to other home or self–tests, such as a pregnancy test: a person does the test on themselves and sees the result within minutes.
The test checks for HIV antibodies (the body’s reaction to having HIV) in a small drop of blood taken from the finger. It does not test for the presence of the virus itself.
Read How do I take the test to learn more about how the test procedure works.