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  • How does my test work?
    The technology is very similar to a human pregnancy test. The process detects specific antibodies in your blood sample, (not actual HIV) and this is what produces the second line (Test Line).
  • Can I use the same device more than 1 time?
    No you cannot. Each device is made for the use of 1 time only. To perform a new test you need to use another device. To buy a new device please click here.
  • Why do I have to wait until 3-4 weeks after exposure to test if I have an STI?
    Everybody makes antibodies at different rates and there needs to be enough antibodies in your blood sample to be able to detect them. A negative result may not be accurate until 3 weeks after infection with HIV or 4 weeks after infection with other STIs because it can take your body that long to produce enough antibodies. The watining time is called: ‘window period’ This is the time from when an infection occurs and when a test can correctly give a positive result. During this period, someone who has been infected will still get a negative test result because they will not have enough antibodies in their blood sample to generate a positive result.
  • Does it matter which finger I get the blood from?
    No, the blood will be the same from whichever finger you get it from.
  • How do I dispose of my test?
    Place all the components back into the box, and close. You can then throw the box away discreetly with your usual rubbish.
  • What is an antibody?
    When your body detects something harmful (like a bacteria or a virus) your immune system starts to produce antibodies to try and defend your body. Each type of antibody is unique and this is what is detected by your Always Be Sure STI Self test.
  • Will using the lancet hurt?
    Not really, it is best to use your middle or ring finger and the sides of the tip of your finger as there are less nerve endings there.
  • Is an HIV/STI Self Test the right choice for me?
    Yes! you might use the kit for screening purposes of different STI infections like HIV/Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and/or Syphilis. While you can use the test for a peace of mind, the test is useful in situations where you have potentially been exposed to an infection. These include for example; unprotected sex with random persons, sex with multiple partners, direct needle injection like tattoo or drugs, cuts and injuries resulting from barbershops, beuaty or nail Spas etc, in addition to undergoing surgeries even minro ones or undergoing a dental procedure.
  • How accurate is my Always Be Sure Self Test?
    The test is extremely effective at diagnosing different STIs. Extensive research has proven this test is tremendously accurate when performed correctly, It has a proven clinical sensitivity of 99.9%, this means that on average 999 in every 1,000 the results will be correct. If you are at all unsure of your result you may seek help from our qualified medical team by contacting us on support@alwaysbesure.co.uk
  • I am conducting more than 1 STI test at the same time, do I need to prick my finger for each test?"
    No you do not. Ideally a single finger prick if done correctly would generate more than 8 drops of blood. You can simply drip 2 drops in each test device in the "S" chamber, followed by 3 drops of buffer in each device and allow them to run simultaneously for 10 minutes.
  • My test hasn’t started to run
    Make sure the device is placed on horizontal place and you have added the buffer.
  • How will I know if my test has run correctly?
    All Always Be Sure STI Self Test devices have an inbuilt sample control line to ensure that the test has been performed and run correctly (the C- Line). If the control line does not appear your test has not worked. Please throw your test away as described above and retest with a new device.
  • I spelled from the buffer solution on myself. Am I at danger?
    No you are not. The buffer solution is made of safe chemical composition which does not cause any harm at all neither by contact or if swallowed.
  • Why do you have 2 lancets? do I need to use both?
    No you do not. the reason why we include 2 lancets is simply to make sure there is a spare one for you should you misuse one or did not prick the finger correctly to generate blood. Please keep in mind these lancets are high quality safe ones. if clicked , they cannot be re-used. This is made intentionally for your safety so you would not accidentally prick yourself or others again.
  • I added more than/less than 2 drops of blood, would that affect my result?"
    No it will not providing the C-Line " the control line" appears. There is no specific ratio between the blood and the buffer. 2 drops of blood + 3 drops of buffer (5 drops in case of Hepatitis C) is the recommendation.
  • The lancet won’t click
    Reasons: Make sure you have uncapped the lancet by unscrewing the tip (do NOT force pull). Force pulling the tip will damage the lancet. You may have already clicked the lancet by mistake, it will only work once. Solution: Unscrew the protective tip of the lancet Use the second provided lancet Call us on +44 (0) 800 233 5717 or send an e mail to support@alwaysbesure.co.uk
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