Your Results, Your Way. No Wait, No Blood, No Problem
OraQuick is an at-home HIV self-test that uses an oral (mouth) swab no needles required. You follow the instructions in the kit, collect the sample yourself, and read your result at home. PALSS can provide guidance on how the test works, what your result means, and what to do next.
What is an HIV self-test?
OraQuick is an at-home HIV self-test that uses an oral (mouth) swab no needles required. You follow the instructions in the kit, collect the sample yourself, and read your result at home. PALSS can provide guidance on how the test works, what your result means, and what to do next
Important Timing Information
OraQuick detects HIV antibodies, which can take time to develop after exposure. Because of this, it may not detect very recent infections. If you think you were exposed to HIV recently, PALSS can help you decide the best next step, including confirmatory testing and prevention options.
How It Works
After you receive your OraQuick kit, you’ll swab your upper and lower gums using the test pad, place the test device into the provided vial, and wait for the result window. The kit includes step-by-step instructions, and PALSS can support you if you have questions while completing the test.
Understanding Your Result
An at-home HIV test result is an important piece of information, but it’s not the final word in every situation.
If your result is negative, PALSS can help you plan next steps for prevention, including routine testing schedules and PrEP education and services.
If your result is reactive (positive), it does not mean you are definitively HIV-positive on its own. The next step is confirmatory testing, and PALSS will help you get connected quickly and confidentially.
Support and Linkage to Care
PALSS doesn’t just hand out a kit we provide support. If you need follow-up testing, treatment linkage, prevention services, or help navigating resources, our team can connect you to care in a respectful, stigma-free way. We can also assist with prevention planning, education, and connecting to additional PALSS services based on your needs.
Who Should Consider OraQuick At-Home Testing?
OraQuick can be a good option if you want more privacy, have limited transportation, prefer testing outside of a clinic setting, or want a convenient way to test between routine screenings. Whether you’re testing for the first time or staying consistent with your health goals, PALSS is here to support you.
To request a At Home Testing Kit, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a South Carolina resident
- Be 17 years of age or older
- Have not ordered a Home Testing Kit in the past 90 days
To process your request, you must provide:
Contact information (including a working cellphone with the ability to text and/or a working email address)
This information will be used to send you a home testing kit and provide you with shipping information. Without this information we will not be able to process your request.
How do I use an At Home HIV self-test?
- Always read the instructions included in the test kit before you start.
- For an At-Home HIV self-test, you must swab your gums to collect an oral fluid sample and then test your sample.
- Your results will be ready within 20 minutes.
- If you don’t follow the directions as described, the test may not work. There is a phone number included with the At Home HIV self-test, if you need help using the test.
- You should always interpret At-Home HIV self-test results according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- If the At-Home HIV self-test is invalid, then the test did not work. You will need to use another At-Home HIV self-test, or contact us at 803-779-7257.
Order a Kit
To request an OraQuick at-home HIV self-test kit, contact PALSS. We’ll share availability, how pickup or distribution works, and how to connect with a staff member if you’d like support interpreting your result or planning next steps.
To order a At Home Testing Kit, click the button below and complete the survey or call 803-779-7257 to complete the survey.
All survey responses are confidential, and the information you provide is ONLY used to evaluate and improve this program.
This survey should take no longer than 5 minutes.