HIV Test - Lab in the Box

The Lab in the Box HIV Test detects the presence of the human immunodeficiency virus with high accuracy , offering privacy and convenience. Ideal for preventative checkups or after high-risk situations.

🔹 Why test?

- Early diagnosis = Immediate treatment = Preserved quality of life

- 95% of people undergoing treatment in Portugal achieve an undetectable viral load (they do not transmit the virus)

🔹 Advantages:

- Collection at home (simple finger prick - 400 μL)

- Results in 24-48h (_*up to 5 days in periods of high demand_)

- Free medical follow-up if reactive

Essential Information

Aspect	Detail
Test Type	Detection of anti-HIV antibodies (4th generation)
Immunological Window	18-45 days post-exposure
Precision	>99.8% (comparable to laboratory tests)

Complete Kit Includes:

✔️ Collection tube (yellow cap)

✔️ Sterile lancets + painless collection device

✔️ Step-by-step instructions + videos

✔️ Prepaid shipping envelope

✔️ Confidential digital results

Collection Instructions:

- No fasting is necessary

- Collect before 11:30 am (Monday to Thursday)

- Ship same day

Suitable for:

✅ Regular check-up (recommended annually for sexually active individuals)

✅ Specific situations:

- Unprotected relationship with partner of unknown status

- Sharing needles/syringes

- Pregnant women (prevent vertical transmission)

- Symptoms such as:

• Prolonged fever • Night sweats • Unexplained weight loss

Interpretation of Results

- Non-Reactive:

- Repeat after 6 weeks if recent exposure

- Use a condom in occasional relationships

- Reagent:

✓ Immediate referral to an infectious disease specialist

✓ Access to free treatment through the SUS

✓ Psychological support included

Example:

Reactive result → Start of antiretroviral therapy (ART) within 72 hours to suppress the virus.

Crucial Notices:

⚠️ "Window period": Test may not detect very recent infections (<18 days)

⚠️ Undetectable = Non-transferable (U=U): People on effective treatment do not transmit HIV

100% guaranteed confidentiality – absolute confidentiality of results.

Did you know?

In Portugal, early diagnosis and treatment allow people with HIV to live with the same life expectancy as the general population.