My result was negative

This means that the test did not detect any anti-bodies and you can be sure that you don’t have HIV. Anti-bodies are what your body produces when HIV enters your blood stream.

However, with all HIV tests you need to think about the window period. The window period is the length of time it takes from when HIV enters your body to when antibodies are produced that can be detected by a test. For the Atomo HIV self-test kit, the window period is three months. This means that the test may not detect HIV that has entered your body in the last three months.

If you think you have been exposed to HIV in the last three months, it is important to speak to a doctor or visit a sexual health clinic and have a blood sample taken.

For men who have sex with men, it is recommended you get tested for HIV and other STIs every 3 months, and at least once a year.

For women, it is suggested that you get tested for HIV at least once a year, and if you think you may have been exposed to HIV.