What comes in a kit, and what do they test?
We have a few different options, only some of which might be available in your area. The information below is also available when you are placing an order so you can make sure to get the kit that works best for you.
I want to order an HIV Fingerstick Test, STI Test, or a PrEP Panel Test. Why aren’t they available in my area?
Only some locations are offering lab-based test kits. You can subscribe to our email list to get the latest about new services in your area.
I’m a person living with HIV. Can I still order a test through TakeMeHome?
Some of our locations are offering STI Tests, which include gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and hepatitis C testing. If you are living with HIV, you can test for these common STIs if the kits are available in your ZIP code. When you order an STI Test, you can ask for an HIV test not to be included.
Can someone else order a kit for me?
By using our website, you certify that you are ordering a kit for yourself, or for someone who has given you permission to order on their behalf. Under no circumstances should you order a kit for someone who has not asked you to do so. If you are ordering the HIV oral swab: it’s always best to place your own order to make sure all of your information is right so we can contact you if you have any issues. Some locations may allow you to order 2 HIV Oral Swab Tests at a time, so you can give one to a partner or a friend. If you are ordering a lab-based kit: please only order a kit for yourself. Make sure the name, date of birth, phone number and email address of the person whose specimens are being tested at the lab are entered into the account. All test results will be linked to the person’s name on the account. You cannot change who is being tested after receiving the kit in the mail. So, if you order a kit and then give it to a friend to use, their results will be linked to your name and any positive test results will be reported to the health department under the name on the account If you do not have a shipping address or cannot order a kit yourself, you can have someone order a kit for you, but please make sure they enter your name, date of birth, and contact information into the account. We can only communicate directly with the kit recipient about any issues with their account.
Why can’t I enter my shipping address?
Sometimes Google Maps doesn’t recognize an address. If you are having trouble ordering your kit, you can email admin@takemehome.org and we can order one for you.
Can you send it to a PO Box or an apartment?
Yes! Please double check your information as you enter the shipping address, and remember to put your apartment number if you have one. We can’t resend you the same kit if it is returned to us because of an incorrect address.
My legal name is different from the name I use. Do I have to put my legal name in the order?
Your comfort and privacy are important to us. We want you to feel safe and confident ordering a kit. If using your legal name means you won’t order, then please use whatever name feels best. If you decide to not use your legal name, please don’t change any other information. Use your actual date of birth and contact information so we can verify your order if there are any issues. Please note, once you put a name on your order, you will not be able to change it later.
I’ve had syphilis in the past. Can I get tested for syphilis through TakeMeHome?
If you’ve previously had syphilis, you will not receive syphilis results. Our tests can’t differentiate between new syphilis infections and infections that have already been diagnosed and treated. Find an STI testing site at GetTested.cdc.gov and make sure to tell your provider about your past infection so you can get the appropriate blood test.
I’m under 18. Which tests can I order?
HIV Oral Swab Tests (OraQuick) are only approved for people ages 17 and up.
Lab-based HIV or STI testing varies state by state. Click here for more information about what you can get tested for in your state.
If you receive an error message when you enter your date of birth, you will not be able to order a test kit because of the law in your state.
Does TakeMeHome offer pregnancy testing?
At this time, TakeMeHome does not offer pregnancy testing. If you send in a urine sample, it will not be tested to see if you are pregnant. Click here to find a pregnancy test near you.
I’ve had Hepatitis C in the past. Can I see if I have a new Hepatitis C infection?
We use an antibody test to test for Hepatitis C. If you’ve ever had Hep C, your antibody test will always be positive. But even if your body clears the infection on its own, you could get re-infected if you come into contact with the virus again. You don’t develop immunity to the hepatitis C virus. To find out if you currently have a Hepatitis C infection, you will need to test in-person. Visit gettested.cdc.gov to find a clinic near you.
How long does it take to get my kit?
In approximately one to four days, you will get a discreet package in the mail with your test kit and a set of instructions. We’ll email you USPS tracking information when your test kit is on its way. Be sure to check your spam and add admin@takemehome.org to your address book to make sure you don’t miss it!
Can I cancel my order?
You cannot cancel your order once it is placed. We are not able to cancel it as it is fulfilled by our lab partner. When you receive your oral swab test kit, you can either keep it to use later or give it to someone else who would use it if you do not want it. When you receive your lab-based kit, please either keep it to use yourself later or dispose of it. If you give it to another person, it will still have all of your information attached to any results even if you aren’t sending in specimens. You must use the kit within 2 months of ordering it.
I made a mistake when typing in my shipping address. Should I just order another kit?
Please don’t order another kit if you made a mistake. As you are entering your shipping address, please remember to enter all information, including your apartment number if you have one. If you notice a mistake after you’ve ordered, email admin@takemehome.org as soon as you can so we can try to fix the issue.
I entered the wrong date of birth or name for my kit. What should I do?
Please don’t order another kit, since that can cause confusion and kits to be lost in the process. Email admin@takemehome.org to make any changes.
The kit is supposed to be in discreet packaging. What does the kit actually look like when it arrives in the mail?
Our kits are shipped through the US Postal Service. They arrive in a Priority Mail envelope or box with no label that says TakeMeHome or HIV/STI test. The return address of the sender is listed as MTL. You can see a picture of the label below and more images of the package here.
How do I choose the right test for me?
While none of our kits require you to go to a lab or clinic, there are differences in how they are used and how you get your results that might make you decide one over the other.
How do I use my test kit?
You will get instructions in your package that walk you through how to complete each part of the kit. You can find instructional videos and other information here.
I ordered an STI kit, but there’s a lot of parts. Do I have to use everything?
We recommend everyone complete the parts of STI kits as relevant for your sexual history. For STI test swabs of your butt and throat, remember: if you use it, swab it! You don’t have to use every swab in the kit. Only use swabs that match how you have sex. For example, if you don’t put a penis or toys in your butt, don’t use the anal swab.
Does my test kit expire?
If you ordered an HIV oral swab test, check the side of the OraQuick testing box to make sure the expiration date has not passed. Email us at admin@takemehome.org if it has and we will reorder a kit for you.
If you ordered a lab-based kit, your test will be rejected if it’s received more than:
1) 30 days after you took your samples
2) 60 days past the date you ordered it
Our advice? Order your test kit when you actually need to test. Don’t plan to save the kit for months ahead of time or we may not be able to get you accurate results.
When should I collect my sample and return my lab-based kit?
You should mail your kit in ASAP after taking your samples. Your test will be rejected if it’s sent more than 30 days after you took your samples. You must use the test kit within 2 months of ordering it or we won’t be able to process it.
How long after sex or drug use should I wait to test?
HIV and STIs have a different window period (AKA incubation period), which is the time between when you got infected and how long it takes for that infection to be seen on a test.
The window period for HIV can last between 10 days and three months, depending on the person’s body and on the HIV test that’s used. During that time, a person can test HIV-negative even though they’re HIV-positive.
If you’re testing for other STIs, window periods vary. Your best bet is to test every 3 to 6 months to get an accurate picture of your status.
If I have my period or I’m menstruating, should I take the STI urine test?
Taking an STI test during a menstrual cycle won’t affect the results.You can find more information here.
I am blind, have low-vision, or am visually-impaired. Are there Braille or audio versions of testing instructions?
HIV Oral Swab Tests are based on sight. You must be able to clearly see lines on the testing swab. You may ask a friend, partner, roommate, or another trusted person to help you read your results, or click here to find your nearest clinic to get an HIV test in person.
If lab-based tests are available in your area, you may ask a trusted person to assist you with ensuring the oral and anal swabs are placed into their appropriate test tube. We want to make sure that we are able to tell where there might be an infection which cannot happen if you put the swabs in the wrong test tube. Additionally, assistance may be needed to fill out the blood test card and place blood samples inside of the circles.
How long does it take to get my results?
For the HIV oral swab test: Once you take the test, your results will be ready at home in 20 minutes. For lab-based tests: Once you complete your specimens and mail them back to the lab, it takes on average 3 days (range 1-6 days) to process your results. Don’t worry. You’ll get an email from us once they are ready to be viewed in your portal.
How do I see my results?
For the HIV Oral Swab Test: Once you take the test, you will be able to see your results within 20 minutes at home. You can find out more about the OraQuick test works here. For lab-based tests: You will receive an email when your results are ready. Be sure to check your spam and add orders@takemehome.org to your address book to make sure it doesn’t get lost! At any time, you can visit TakeMeHome.org/My_Account. Login to see your results, order history, and next steps to take charge of your sexual health. Remember: if you test positive, a local health department official may reach out to you to make sure you get any follow-up testing and treatment you need and that your partners can access testing if they need to as well.
I forgot my login information. Can I still see my results?
Go to TakeMeHome.org/My_Account. Enter your email address and click Reset Password. A password reset link will be sent to the email associated with your account. If you forgot your email address, please email admin@takemehome.org. Once you have reset your password, you can log in to see your results, order history, and next steps to take charge of your sexual health.
I got an email that said my test didn’t work. Can I get another test?
No worries! This happens sometimes. Let us know by forwarding the email you received to admin@takemehome.org so we can work with you to order a new test.
Can I return my test kit?
We cannot accept a test kit back, even if it is unused. For HIV oral swabs: you can either keep your kit to use later or give it to someone else to use. For lab-based kits: please either keep it to use later or dispose of it. If you give it to another person, it will still have all of your information attached to any results even if you aren’t sending in specimens. You must use the test within 2 months of ordering it.
I tested positive using a TakeMeHome test. What happens now?
Testing positive can be a stressful experience. It’s important to take care of yourself and seek support from trusted friends, partners, and other loved ones if that feels right. When you’re ready, visit a local healthcare provider to get confirmatory testing (a more sensitive test to make sure you’re positive) and treatment if needed. Find your nearest clinic here. Clinics may provide other support beyond testing and treatment, like mental health, substance use, and financial assistance resources. Remember: A local health department official may reach out to you to make sure you get the treatment you need and that your partners can access testing if they need to. Telling your partners about a positive test result isn’t easy, but it gives them necessary information so they can get tested and treated in case they are positive too. You can use TellYourPartner.org to anonymously send your partners a text letting them know that they should get tested if telling them directly doesn’t feel right or safe for you.
Can I get medications for HIV treatment, PrEP, or STI treatment through TakeMeHome?
At this time, we do not offer medications for HIV or STI prevention or treatment.
Interested in PrEP to prevent HIV? Check out preplocator.org.
Tested positive? Find your nearest clinic to get treatment at gettested.cdc.gov.
I’m worried about my name being on the package. Is there an option that’s more private?
Your comfort and privacy are important to us. We want you to feel safe and confident ordering a kit, and we know that you may be concerned about ordering a sexual health test. You can see what our discreet packaging looks like here. You may choose to send packages to a trusted friend or family member’s address. If using your name means you won’t order, then please use whatever name feels best. If you decide to not use your legal name, please don’t change any other information. Use your actual date of birth and contact information so we can verify your order if there are any issues. Please note, once you put a name on your order, you will not be able to change it later.
Where does my information go once I submit an order?
To participate in this program, we ask for your consent to share your data with your local or state health department, or whoever is paying for the test, just as would happen if you went into a clinic for a test. You can find more about your privacy and data here. For lab-based orders, we are required to share positive results with your local health department by law. Remember: A local health department official may reach out to you if you test positive to make sure you get the treatment you need and that your partners can access testing if they need to.
What are my rights to data deletion under CCPA?
You can email admin@takemehome.org to request that your account and personal information be deleted. We will delete:
We keep the ZIP code and your order number as a way of auditing payment, as explained in our Terms of Use. This information can no longer be connected to you since we delete your personal information as detailed above. Due to other federal and state laws, we are not able to delete information transmitted to our lab partner for kit fulfillment. You can find our Privacy Policy here.
How does TakeMeHome comply with HIPAA?
TakeMeHome has an agreement with our fulfillment and lab partner, Molecular Testing Laboratories, called a Business Associates Agreement. This lets us to securely share data between our two organizations and confirms our commitment to protecting your health information. Each health department that participates is covered under this agreement.
For Public Health partners only.
Full document can be viewed here.
I still need help. What can I do?
Email us at admin@takemehome.org or call us at 628-899-4663 (HOME) to leave us a private message. We are a small startup with limited working hours, but we still aim to get back to you within 3-4 business days.
I want to spread the word about this program. How do I do that?
Thank you for helping let people know about our program! There are a variety of ways you can do so:
Thank you for being part of our program and making it easier than ever to take control of our sexual health and wellness.
