INSTI HIV Self Test Training Video (EN) 

Hi HanHsu, thank you for letting us know. Glad to hear the test worked for you and that the results are negative. Great to test again at the 90 day mark as well!

Hello, thanks for messaging. Those are great tips to help the blood collection go more smoothly. We are glad to hear your result was negative and you feel some reassurance.

Hello - thanks for letting us know how the test worked. As long as you see a control dot, this means the test worked. Sometimes the dot will not be as dark as the video or instructions for use, but a dot is a dot and means the test worked and was valid. We are glad to hear your result was negative. Have a safe and good weekend ahead!

Hello Ray, Thanks for your question. It sounds as though you took the INSTI Test a year after the date of possible exposure. Over ninety five percent of people who have been exposed to HIV will develop detectable levels of antibodies within 6 weeks. There would be no need to repeat the test unless you have been at risk of HIV infection again. Have a great day!

@@Biolytical where can I purchase these ?

@@latorrawroten8718 Thank you for your interest in the INSTI HIV Self Test. In Canada, the test can be purchased through the INSTI.com website at shop.insti.com/insti-hiv-self-test. In Europe and other parts of the world we work with distributors - www.insti.com/find-us. In some countries, tests can be ordered online or purchased in local pharmacies. At the moment the self test is not available in the USA. Contact customercare@bioLytical.com with the specific country and we'd be happy to let you know the test availability.

@@Biolytical Hi i just tested my self and the result was a one small dot, very small like point from pencil, how can I interpret this?

@@bartoszbognacki8061 Hi Bartosz. Thanks for reaching out to us. If you want us to take a look at your result, you can send us a pic to customercare@biolytical.com and we would be happy to help out.

Hello Cha, Thanks for messaging us. The reason the warning is included to not scrape blood from the bottle to get the sample is that without following the blood drop technique, it can likely result in an invalid result as it could be difficult to collect enough blood with the scraping. If a drop has formed on your finger but isn’t dropping into the bottle, then it is OK to scrape it, so it goes into the bottle. Hope that helps! Have a safe and kind day ahead!

Thank you for your interest in the INSTI Self Test. The test is not for sale in UAE at the moment, although we are always interested to hear from potential distributors. If you are a distributor or aware of distribution opportunities contact Jared at info@biolytical.com. Have a wonderful day!

Hello. Just a quick question. Are you looking to distribute the tests or purchase for individual use?

Hello. Thanks for messaging us. The solution is designed to absorb quickly, however, environmental factors such as humidity and temperature may impact the speed of absorption. Normally, the solutions are absorbed quickly as the test is designed to take 60 seconds to complete. If the solution takes longer than 5 minutes to absorb, the test be aborted and a new test carried out. If the test/control dot(s) are visible, this means the test is valid.

Thank you for your interest in the INSTI Self Test. The test is not available in Ghana at the moment, but we are always interested to hear from potential distributors. If you are a distributor or aware of distribution opportunities contact Jared at info@biolytical.com. Have a wonderful day!

​@@Biolytical i have problem long time ductor i tested hiv 21times results in negetive and i am sick sometimes

Since i sex that women know 11 month ductor can i get hiv after 12 month or one year After

Hello. As you have tested 21 times after the exposure and they were all negative and consistent. The INSTI test is incredibly accurate. I would recommend seeing a healthcare professional to discuss your concerns further regarding being sick as they would be in the best place to advice you further regarding any symptoms or sickness.@@user-yc4ub6yg2y

Thanks for your message. We cannot speak to Ora Quick results, but the INSTI® test has over 99% accuracy (both in identifying positive infections and identifying those that are negative), so the test is very reliable. I cannot speak to other tests, but as 97% of people will show antibodies within the 3 months. The INSTI® test uses a single drop of blood to screen for HIV and I believe the Ora Quick uses saliva. To also help understand the testing window and when HIV is likely to show on a test: After exposure to HIV, it can take the average person anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks (21-84 days) to develop enough antibodies for a screening test to detect them. This is called the serological window period. Some individuals may produce antibodies 21-22 days (approximately 3 weeks) after infection, and thus may test positive (if infected) with an antibody test, but this is dependent on the person and can take up to 3 months to produce sufficient antibodies (IgG or IgM) to generate a positive result. About 97% of people will develop detectable antibodies during this window period. Hope that provides some information for you on testing. Have a good and safe week ahead.

Are you ok now? ❤️🙏🏼

Hello - thanks for your patience in response. If the control dot is visible, it does mean the test was run correctly. Sometimes, the dot may not be a dark as the training video and may appear more faint. however, if you can see the dot, it does mean the test was run correctly.

Hello, Thank you for messaging us. To confirm, when you did the test, did the C dot appear at the 12 o’clock position? If the C dot was visible, this means the test was valid.

Hello Giuseppe, thanks for messaging us. Yes, our INSTI tests take just one minute, so it looks like you conducted the test correctly. If you have any more questions or need more clarification, please feel free to message and we will do our best to help you! Have a great day and stay safe!

Hello I-chan Ko. Unfortunately, at this time, we do not sell the INSTI HIV-1/2 Antibody Self Test in China. You can keep up to date on what we are up to on www.insti.com Have a great day and keep safe!

Hello, thanks for reaching out. You can purchase our test across Canada using this link through our website: shop.insti.com/insti-hiv-self-test. Please reach out if you have any more questions, or alternatively, you can email us at customercare@biolytical.com. Have a nice day!

Are you ok ?

Hello Joel, Thanks for reaching out to us. After exposure to HIV, it can take the average person anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks (21-84 days) to develop enough antibodies for a screening test to detect them. This is called the serological window period. Some individuals may produce antibodies 21-22 days (approximately 3 weeks) after infection, and thus may test positive (if infected) with an antibody test, but this is dependent on the person and can take up to 3 months to produce sufficient antibodies (IgG or IgM) to generate a positive result. About 97% of people will develop detectable antibodies during this window period. As you are past this window, there would be no need to repeat this test unless you have been at risk or exposed to HIV again. Let us know if you have any more questions and have a great day!

@@Hoticeamericano818 Hello Justin. Thanks for your patience. In researching the answer to why 3% of people may not test for HIV - generally, this is because a false negative is most likely to occur outside the testing window (before 3 months). We recommend that if testing after 21 days but before 90 days, the individual tests again at 3 months. Most HIV tests, including the INSTI® test have over 99% accuracy (which is incredibly high). After 3 months, it is extremely rare that there would be a false negative. Additionally, there is a good source called the Body (HIV/AIDS resource) that speaks to whether PEP or PrEP (medications that prevent HIV infection - pre and post exposure) may influence the HIV tests results where results may take longer to show positive, though it is unlikely. The link is: www.thebody.com/article/can-pep-prep-delay-hiv-antibody-test-window if you want to read more. However, I recommend speaking to a doctor for a more individualized conversation relating to your risk level or exposure. Whereas rapid tests are considered screening tests for HIV (though highly accurate), the doctor can order confirmatory testing from a lab to verify the result. INSTI® has a proven clinical sensitivity of 99.6%, which means that if 1000 people with HIV antibodies are tested with INSTI, 996 will get a positive test result. INSTI® also has a clinical specificity of 99.3%, which means if 1000 people without HIV antibodies are tested with INSTI, 993 will get a negative test result. In another Canadian study conducted by self-testers, the positive percent agreement was 100%. This means all true HIV antibody subjects were identified as positive by the INSTI HIV Self Test. The negative percent agreement in this study was 99.5%, which means that 614/617 true HIV negative subjects were identified as negative by the INSTI HIV Self Test. If you want to read more specifically about the INSTI® test, check out our instructions for use for our test at www.insti.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/51-1220-C-IFU-INSTI-HIV-Self-TestCA-EN.pdf. The instructions also have some good Q&As that may provide some more info to you as well. Thanks again for messaging and let us know if you have any other questions. Have a good and safe rest of your week.

Hello - thanks for your message. As the test only calls for 1 drop, there is a chance that it could technically give a false positive or block the membrane, possibly leading to an invalid result. It is best to just drop a single drop into the bottle #1. Hope that helps. Have a safe and kind weekend ahead!

Hello S B, Do you know how long the liquid took to absorb? Also, was your sample not absorbed the first one with your blood sample (bottle #1)? Generally, the sample will absorb less than 30 seconds, but absorption time will vary slightly depending on the sample type.

Hello. Thanks for your message. If you see a control dot (at the top), it does mean your test was performed correctly. Sometimes the dot can appear a bit faint. If you would like, you can send a picture if you have one to customercare@biolytical.com and we can take a look for you.

Hey Les, That doesn't sound right! Contact customercare@bioLytical.com and we'll be happy to investigate this for you.

I had the same issue, 1 drop of blood is not enough, try with multiple drops!

@@Miklo111 You can always reach out to customercare@bioLytical.com if you have any concerns about testing. We love to hear from our customers!

You didn’t store at right temperature

I have had the same experience. This control dot on my resulting test did not nearly look as blue and dark as the test in the video...

Hello Michael, Thanks for messaging us. To help answer this question, it is useful to explain how the HIV testing window works. After exposure to HIV, it can take the average person anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks (21-84 days) to develop enough antibodies for a screening test to detect them. This is called the serological window period. Some individuals may produce antibodies 21-22 days (approximately 3 weeks) after infection, and thus may test positive (if infected) with an antibody test, but this is dependent on the person and can take up to 3 months to produce sufficient antibodies (IgG or IgM) to generate a positive result. About 97% of people will develop detectable antibodies during this window period. It is recommended to wait at least 21 days (or 3 weeks) to test for the first time. We do recommend that a second test is taken after 90 days to confirm the result as some people do take longer to develop antibodies. Hopefully that helps - please let us know if you have any other questions - we are always happy to help. Stay safe and have a nice and kind week ahead.

@have you tested again??

@@Onlyonemesh Help me sir I have a question.. I had protected sex using condom but after 3days I had a cough with sore so I decided to have hiv testing after 2weeks rapid test which is negative but my worries are I have joint pain though I am not sure if its burns or pain they just shoot in my hands and feet anyone to help me understand what's going on. Thank you

Hello Thembelani, thanks for reaching out. Currently, there is no test that can detect HIV immediately after infection. After exposure to HIV, it can take the average person anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks (21-84 days) to develop enough antibodies for a screening test to detect them. This is called the serological window period. Some individuals may produce antibodies 21-22 days (approximately 3 weeks) after infection, and thus may test positive (if infected) with an antibody test, but this is dependent on the person and can take up to 3 months to produce sufficient antibodies (IgG or IgM) to generate a positive result. About 97% of people will develop detectable antibodies during this window period. This is why we recommend to wait a minimum of 21 days and to retest again at 3 months as a negative result may not be accurate until 3 months.

Hello. Solution/bottle #3 is a clarifying solution that helps wash away any background stains from the membrane.

Hello Gabriela, Thanks for your message. I know that sometimes taking an HIV test can be a bit anxious so we are always happy to answer your questions. Our INSTI® HIV-1/2 Antibody Self Test provides results in one-minute so you can be confident that your result will show within the 30 minutes. If the test was performed correctly, you see a dot under the C (which is the control spot that tells you the test was performed correctly.) Results will show within one minute. As long as the “C” dot showed up, it means you did the test right. One thing I would like to share is the testing window for HIV which helps explain the best way to determine if you will need to test again is based on your possible exposure. After exposure to HIV, it can take the average person anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks (21-84 days) to develop enough antibodies for a screening test to detect them. This is called the serological window period. Some individuals may produce antibodies 21-22 days (approximately 3 weeks) after infection, and thus may test positive (if infected) with an antibody test, but this is dependent on the person and can take up to 3 months to produce sufficient antibodies (IgG or IgM) to generate a positive result. About 97% of people will develop detectable antibodies during this window period. This is why we recommend that people who test negative take the test again at approximately three months to account for the testing window and antibody development. Hope this helped; please let us know if you have any other questions. Have a great day and stay safe!

@@Biolytical Thank you very much for your help and I would like to know how accurate the result of this test is?🤗

@@gabrielanerlin7027 No problem, we are always happy to help. Our accuracy rate is over 99% so you can be confident in the results.

If you need sex with out condom with unknow status gay , you should take pre-exposure drug known Travuda. It can protect you around 99 % from hiv. Enjoy mom

Hello Arshdeep. Thank you for messaging us. To help understand when to test for HIV and how the virus works, it is helpful to share the HIV testing window. After exposure to HIV, it can take the average person anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks (21-84 days) to develop enough antibodies for a screening test to detect them. This is called the serological window period. Some individuals may produce antibodies 21-22 days (approximately 3 weeks) after infection and thus may test positive (if infected) with an antibody test, but this is dependent on the person and can take up to 3 months to produce sufficient antibodies (IgG or IgM) to generate a positive result. About 97% of people will develop detectable antibodies during this window period. It is recommended to wait at least 21 days (or 3 weeks) to test for the first time. We also recommend testing again at the 90 day mark as different individuals can develop antibodies in different timeframes. Hope that helps explain how the HIV testing window works.

But is it possible that body starts generating anti bodies as soon the symptoms start to occur?

@@Arshu_0005 Hello Arshdeep. Thanks for your question. If infected with HIV, generally the body will produce antibodies anywhere between 3 and 12 weeks after infection (about 97% of people). This can happen with or without symptoms as not everyone who contracts HIV will develop an acute infection with symptoms. Some people may develop a flu-like illness 2-4 weeks after the virus enters the body, but not everyone does. While some antibody tests can detect HIV antibodies within 21 days (such as the INSTI® test), we do recommend to test again at 3 months as each individual may develop antibodies at different times.

@@Arshu_0005 Hello Arshdeep. Thanks for your question. If infected with HIV, generally the body will produce antibodies anywhere between 3-12 weeks after infection, but this will happen with or without symptoms. Some people may not experience any symptoms and so the body (if infected) will develop antibodies regardless of the presence of symptoms.

@@Biolyticalwhat if you waited 2 to take the self test and it shows negative that means it work?

Vaṇakkam vaḷar, uṅkaḷ ceytikku naṉṟi. INSTI® HIV cuya paricōtaṉaiyai eṅku peṟuvatu eṉṟu nīṅkaḷ kēṭkiṟīrkaḷ eṉṟu niṉaikkiṟēṉ? Uṅkaḷukku arukil ētēṉum cōtaṉai irukkiṟatā eṉpataip pārkka, Www.Insti.Com/hiv-self-test/ kkuc celvatutāṉ oṉṟaik kaṇṭupiṭippataṟkāṉa ciṟanta iṭam. Naṉṟi maṟṟum oru nalla maṟṟum pātukāppāṉa nāḷ!

Hello MrSandoval! Thanks for reaching out. Our test is considered a 3rd generation screening test since it is designed to detect antibodies that are generated in response to HIV infection. You can find more information on www.insti.com/faq/. If you are navigating from www.insti.com, you can go to HIV AND TESTING/FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS and then under the ABOUT INSTI® HIV-1/2 ANTIBODY TEST. Have a great day!

Hello Amber, Thanks for reaching out. A tiny drop that went on the side should not affect your result as long as you were able to get the sample into the membrane (a small drop on the side should not affect this.) If there is a test dot, you should be able to see it, even if it is faint, but it would be visible. However, if you are unsure, it always helps to retest. If you have any more questions, please feel free to reach out. You can also send a pic of your test results to customercare@biolytical.com, and we can also help take a look for you.

@@unknownloner4-ly5zn Hello, Thanks for your message. As you saw a dot where the C is (the control dot), this means the test was run correctly. There are times the dot may be more faint but as long as you see the control dot, it means the test was valid. Do you have a picture you can send of the test you took? We would be happy to take a look for you. If you do, you can send the picture to customercare@biolytical.com.

Hello Punjabi Vlogger, Thanks for messaging us. Thank you for your patience. To help answer this question, it is useful to explain how the HIV testing window works. After exposure to HIV, it can take the average person anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks (21-84 days) to develop enough antibodies for a screening test to detect them. This is called the serological window period. Some individuals may produce antibodies 21-22 days (approximately 3 weeks) after infection, and thus may test positive (if infected) with an antibody test, but this is dependent on the person and can take up to 3 months to produce sufficient antibodies (IgG or IgM) to generate a positive result. About 97% of people will develop detectable antibodies during this window period. It is recommended to wait at least 21 days (or 3 weeks) to test for the first time. We do recommend that a second test is taken after 90 days to confirm the result as some people do take longer to develop antibodies. Hopefully that helps - please let us know if you have any other questions - we are always happy to help. Stay safe and kind and have a nice week.

Great news on the negative result! Have a great and safe weekend!

Yes test again in 3 weeks time to be sure.

@@markylon do you think my test could be a false negative?

@@markylon from what I read, you’ll develop the hiv antibodies within 6 weeks so I think I did my test at the correct time

@@Olinlin No

Hello Itsolinka, Thanks for taking the time to message us. I think to help explain when to test and when it is recommended to test again, the HIV testing window is important. After exposure to HIV, it can take the average person anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks (21-84 days) to develop enough antibodies for a screening test to detect them. This is called the serological window period. Some individuals may produce antibodies 21-22 days (approximately 3 weeks) after infection, and thus may test positive (if infected) with an antibody test, but this is dependent on the person and can take up to 3 months to produce sufficient antibodies (IgG or IgM) to generate a positive result. About 97% of people will develop detectable antibodies during this window period. It is recommended to wait at least 21 days (or 3 weeks) to test for the first time. We do recommend that a second test is taken after 90 months to confirm the result as some people do take longer to develop antibodies. If you and your bf tested after 90 days of exposure (perhaps prior relationships), and you feel there is no other risk, it may not be necessary to test again. However, we recommend that people test again at the 90-day mark if perhaps there was exposure prior for either your boyfriend or yourself to be safe. Hope that helps - if you have any other questions, please feel free to send us another message - we are always happy to help where we can. Have a safe and kind day ahead. Thanks!

Hello Karolis, Thanks for sending us a message and no need to say sorry for your English 😊 First, regarding your control dot, it can be faint - as long as you see a dot, it means the test has been taken correctly. To help explain how HIV testing works, it helps to explain the testing window. After exposure to HIV, it can take the average person anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks (21-84 days) to develop enough antibodies for a screening test to detect them. This is called the serological window period. Some individuals may produce antibodies 21-22 days (approximately 3 weeks) after infection, and thus may test positive (if infected) with an antibody test, but this is dependent on the person and can take up to 3 months to produce sufficient antibodies (IgG and IgM) to generate a positive result. About 97% of people will develop detectable antibodies during this window period. It is recommended to wait at least 21 days (or 3 weeks) to test for the first time. The INSTI® test is very reliable, but with the testing window, we do recommend that a second test is taken after 90 days to confirm the result as some people do take longer to develop antibodies. Hope that helps but let us know if you have any other questions. Thanks!

Hello Alan, thanks for messaging us. In regards to the possible exposure a year back. It can take the average person anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks (21-84 days) to develop enough antibodies for a screening test to detect them. This is called the serological window period. Some individuals may produce antibodies 21-22 days (approximately 3 weeks) after infection, and thus may test positive (if infected) with an antibody test, but this is dependent on the person and can take up to 3 months to produce sufficient antibodies (IgG or IgM) to generate a positive result. About 97% of people will develop detectable antibodies during this window period. For your results; sometimes the surface of the membrane (the testing area) doesn’t always look pristine like in the images you see in the package or online, and that is ok. It does appear that your first test was negative but to help you better, if possible, you can send a picture of your result to customercare@biolytical.com and we can take a look at your test for you.

@@Biolytical Please reply brother, I have been in a relationship for 10 years now. I have chronic diarrhea and night sweats. I had a second generation antibody test, it was negative, and my wife’s test was negative, but the symptoms are only available to us in the second generation. Please reply

@@sam-ee7rz Hello Sam, Thanks for your message. I am sorry you are going through your symptoms. I can’t speak to a different test such as a 2nd generation as we do not make this version. The INSTI® HIV-1/2 Antibody Test is a 3rd generation test. However, it is good to know about the testing window for HIV in terms of when people will likely show positive (if infected with the virus) after possible exposure to HIV. After exposure to HIV, it can take the average person anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks (21-84 days) to develop enough antibodies for a screening test to detect them. This is called the serological window period. Some individuals may produce antibodies 21-22 days (approximately 3 weeks) after infection, and thus may test positive (if infected) with an antibody test, but this is dependent on the person and can take up to 3 months to produce sufficient antibodies (IgG or IgM) to generate a positive result. About 97% of people will develop detectable antibodies during this window period. If you are concerned, I would suggest speaking to a doctor or clinic near you for further information as they will be able to help with your specific situation. Hopefully this gave you a bit of information regarding general HIV testing.

@@sam-ee7rz Why do you say brother, you don’t know it’s a man responding

@Bekoob Music have u been negative?

Hello Mezza, Thanks for messaging us. To help answer this question, it is useful to explain how the HIV testing window works. After exposure to HIV, it can take the average person anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks (21-84 days) to develop enough antibodies for a screening test to detect them. This is called the serological window period. Some individuals may produce antibodies 21-22 days (approximately 3 weeks) after infection, and thus may test positive (if infected) with an antibody test, but this is dependent on the person and can take up to 3 months to produce sufficient antibodies (IgG or IgM) to generate a positive result. About 97% of people will develop detectable antibodies during this window period. It is recommended to wait at least 21 days (or 3 weeks) to test for the first time. We do recommend that a second test is taken after 90 months to confirm the result as some people do take longer to develop antibodies. Hopefully that helps - please let us know if you have any other questions - we are always happy to help. Stay safe and kind and have a nice week ahead.