Basic Introduction PrEP Test Kit (This will not test for hepatitis)
Buy a PrEP test kit to find out if you can start taking PrEP
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The Basic Introduction PrEP test kit is a test that you can use to test your HIV status and kidney function (creatinine and estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate; eGFR).
You should take this test if you have never taken PrEP before and already know your hepatitis status or have been vaccinated.
If you’re a man who has sex with other men or you don’t know your hepatitis status, you should take the Comprehensive Introduction PrEP test. This is because you need to know your hepatitis C status before you can start taking PrEP. If you’re a woman or only need to test for kidney function and HIV then this is the test for you.
If you complete this test at home and your results say that you can start taking PrEP, our doctors will be able to prescribe PrEP once you have received your results.
About the test kit
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This test kit is for people who know their hepatitis status and would like to start taking PrEP. It will tell you your HIV status, kidney and function (creatinine and estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate; eGFR)
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If your results from this test show that you are suitable to take PrEP, we will be able to prescribe PrEP, and you will be able to start taking it. If PrEP isn’t suitable for you, this will be clearly explained in your results, and you’ll be given information on precisely what to do next. You’ll also be able to book a follow-up telephone consultation with one of our doctors.
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You can take a PrEP test at any time, but it might not detect HIV if you caught the infection within the last 6 weeks. If you’re concerned that you’ve caught HIV recently because of an incident such as having unprotected sex with someone whose HIV status you do not know, then we recommend that you wait until 6 weeks after the incident to get tested.
If you think you may have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, you should visit your local sexual health clinic straight away. This is because you may need to start taking PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).
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Your results will tell you whether you can start taking PrEP. If this is the case, you can place an order for PrEP straight away.
If your results say that you cannot take PrEP, this means that you’ve tested positive for either HIV or reduced kidney function.
This will be clearly explained in your results, and you’ll be given information on precisely what to do next. You’ll also be able to book a follow-up telephone consultation with one of our doctors.
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You should only take this test if you already know your hepatitis B and C status. If you do not know your hepatitis status, you need to order the Comprehensive Introduction PrEP test kit.
If you are already taking PrEP and want to check your status on PrEP, you should take the 3-monthly PrEP continuation test kit. You should also take the annual PrEP continuation test once a year.
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If your HIV test kit comes back positive our doctors will be on hand to help. All positive results must be followed up by another test using different technology.
If you do test positive for HIV one of our doctors will discuss all possible consequences with you in detail. We’ll also help you to find specialist care in your local area and put you in touch with local support groups.
Dr Babak Ashrafi Clinical Lead for Service Expansion
Accreditations: BSc, MBBS, MRCGP (2008)
Babak studied medicine at King’s College London and graduated in 2003, having also gained a bachelor’s degree in Physiology during his time there. He completed his general practice (GP) training in East London, where he worked for a number of years as a partner at a large inner-city GP practice. He completed the Royal College of GPs membership exam in 2007.
Meet our doctorsLast reviewed: 07 Sep 2020
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HIV and AIDS, Diagnosis, National Health Service [accessed February 2023]
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PrEP, Solent NHS Trust [accessed February 2023]
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PEP emergency medicines for exposure to HIV, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust [accessed February 2023]
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What does a positive HIV result mean? Center for Disease Control and Prevention [accessed February 2023]
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Kidney Testing: Everything You Need to Know, Center for Disease Control and Prevention [accessed February 2023]
