A reliable HIV self test you can take privately at home.
Rapid result. Complete privacy. CE certified and based on testing technology used in clinics worldwide.
Knowing your HIV status gives clarity, peace of mind, and the ability to act early if needed. The INSTI HIV Self Test gives you an accurate result in your own time and your own space — no clinic visit, no waiting room. Just a small drop of blood, three simple steps, and a result you can trust.
- Results in about 60 seconds
- Detects HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies
- Discreet, unmarked packaging
- CE certified for self-testing
Manufactured by bioLytical Laboratories, Canada
WHO Prequalified
WHO Prequalified for HIV self-testing since 2018.
CE Certified
Self-test certified for the European Union.
FDA Cleared
Cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Health Canada
Approved by Health Canada for over-the-counter self-testing.
Used by clinics and community organisations worldwide.
About the test
What is the INSTI HIV Self Test?
The INSTI HIV Self Test is a CE-certified rapid home test that detects antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2 from a single drop of blood. Manufactured by bioLytical Laboratories in Canada, it uses the same proven testing technology used in clinics — adapted so you can use it confidentially at home.
Clinical performance data published by bioLytical show 100% sensitivity and 99.8% specificity in an untrained user study (95% CI 99.3%–100% for sensitivity, 99.2%–99.9% for specificity). The test is intended for adults aged 18 or older. As with any rapid HIV test, a reactive (preliminary positive) result requires confirmatory laboratory testing through a healthcare provider — we explain what that means in the Understanding Your Result section.
From the untrained user performance evaluation published by bioLytical Laboratories (95% CI 99.3%–100% sensitivity, 99.2%–99.9% specificity).
Why INSTI
Designed for confidence, made for privacy.
Four reasons people choose the INSTI HIV Self Test for self-testing at home.
Fast
A clear result in about 60 seconds — no waiting, no lab, no follow-up appointment unless needed.
Private
Take the test at home, on your own schedule. No appointment, no clinic visit, no awkward conversations.
Accurate
100% sensitivity and 99.8% specificity per bioLytical untrained user study.
Discreet
Plain unmarked packaging. Billing on your statement reads 'Oneself', not anything HIV-related.
Take the test on your own terms.
Discreetly delivered. Results in about 60 seconds. From £19.99.
Order the INSTI HIV Self Test →How it works
Three steps. About 60 seconds.
Watch the short instructional video, or follow the steps below. The full Instructions for Use are included in every kit.
Collect a drop of blood
Use the lancet from the kit to prick your finger and place a single drop of blood into Bottle 1.
Mix the solutions
Shake Bottle 1, then pour Solution 2, then Solution 3 — in order. The kit explains each step clearly.
Read your result
A clear result appears in about 60 seconds. Two dots in the test window means reactive; one dot means non-reactive.
What your result means
Understanding your result.
The INSTI HIV Self Test gives one of three possible results. Here's what each one means.
Likely no HIV detected
No HIV antibodies were detected. In most cases this means you do not have HIV. However, if your possible exposure was within the past 21–84 days, antibodies may not yet be detectable.
If you are testing within the window period, retest after 84 days to be certain.
Preliminary positive — confirmation needed
HIV antibodies were detected. This is a preliminary result, not a diagnosis. A reactive self-test must be confirmed by a healthcare provider through a laboratory blood test before any conclusion is drawn.
Modern HIV treatment is highly effective. Early diagnosis means you can start treatment, live a long healthy life, and reach an undetectable viral load (U=U).
Test could not be read
If no dot appears in the control area, or the result is unclear, the test is invalid and cannot be interpreted. This may be due to insufficient blood, mixing error, or an expired kit.
Retest with a new kit. The 2-pack is useful if you want a backup at hand.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions.
Quick answers to the questions most people ask before testing.
How accurate is the INSTI HIV Self Test?
How long after exposure should I test?
What does a "reactive" result mean?
Is the delivery discreet?
Does the test detect both HIV-1 and HIV-2?
Can I take the test if I am taking PrEP?
What if the test result is invalid?
How long does the result stay valid?
Is the test available for under-18s?
What happens if I test positive?
Order your test
Choose your kit.
The 2-pack is recommended if you want a backup test or are testing again after the window period.
2 tests
- Test now and again after window period
- Backup if first test is invalid
- Couples or partners testing together
Prices in GBP. Other currencies available at checkout. Delivery is calculated at checkout. The kit comes with full Instructions for Use and a finger-prick lancet.