Millions of people in the world today are infected with the disease known as HIV.
In the United States alone there are about 1.
8 million people who are considered HIV positive.
Experts say that about twenty percent of HIV victims are not even aware that they are suffering from HIV.
That is the reason why HIV awareness programs of all sorts are being launched by various institutions and government agencies from all over the world.
If one wants to know if he has HIV, all he needs to do is to go to a doctor.
Doctors conduct blood tests to determine if their patients are HIV positive or not.
However, the problem is that most people are too shy to go to the doctors for consultation.
After all, having HIV can be a very embarrassing issue for some people.
Most patients are not only embarrassed to go to doctors but they are afraid to know the truth as well.
That is why there grew a need for an HIV Home Test.
In 2012, something good happened in the medical world.
The US Food and Drug Administration has announced of its approval of the first HIV Home Test kit that allows people to check if they have HIV or not right in their own homes.
The home test works by detecting if antibodies to prevent HIV viruses are present in the body.
Kits usually consist of a swab that is used for the mouth.
It is placed in a vial that is also included in the kit.
The following are some notable advantages of an HIV Home Test:

1. It is ideal for shy individuals - A lot of people do not want to go to the hospital for HIV tests because they are too shy.
   Sometimes, they are afraid of other people knowing about their condition.
   
2. It helps keep people at peace - Getting HIV is not a joke.
   That is why people who have a feeling that they have HIV have all the reason to worry.
   Some people worry too much that they suffer from stress.
   There are even some who get depressed.
   But with a home testing kit, any person can simply take a test to avoid worrying to much.
   
3. It helps speed up results - The good thing about HIV home testing kits is that they could offer results in less than an hour.
   People can wait for the results in the comfort of their own home.
   Gone are those days when people have to wait for what the doctor will announce to them in the cold hospital room.
   
4. It is portable - Not only could it be used at home but it could also be used in other places as well.
   This means people could check their HIV status anytime.
   These home testing kits are recommendable for those who travel a lot.
   

It is important to remember that medical testing for HIV is still more recommendable.
Home testing is just an alternative route for those who simply want to track their HIV status fast and easy.
With the help of the HIV Home Test, any person can know if he needs medical attention or not.