Just want to say i used this service and found it great! Very easy to understand, in comfort of my own home and it was posted to me extremely fast and discreetly.

I am really pleased to hear how happy you, and others, were the FLASH self test. It can be a bit scary before results come through for anyone self-testing. I do offer for people to call me and the SWOP team for those who test positive to help support you and guide you to the appropriate places.
If anyone is happy for me to share any of their quotes (100% anonymously) on FLASH Twitter or FB to encourage other sex workers to use, do let me know. Otherwise I am hear to respond to any queries that anyone has. Monica

It is a bit wierd seeing the test run there and then, the packaging does advise going to the GUM if you do test positive. I know that's not much help when you are there alone, but I'm sure you'll be fine.

I mentioned the test to GUM staff, they said they do use this type of test 'in an emergency', and said they are 'very expensive' - which sounds like a reason they aren't routinely used by the NHS.

We recommend going to a GUM clinic once a reactive test (that is what a positive test is called on these kits) as they can confirm 100% if it is HIV. The test confirms 99.7% and is based on antibodies only. The GUM tests antigens and antibodies to HIV. The cost of these tests is £30 normally, and I think HIV England has funded the self-sampling tests, (where you take a larger sample yourself, send it off and get the results text to you).
We have a project grant to pay for these kits for a specific amount of time. The aim of FLASH is to find out how many sex workers are interested in taking up this option and find out their views. We hope this will help us try to lobby for future funding of this, if you feel it is worthwhile.
Monica (FLASH Coordinator)

Hi
I'm trying to promote the offer of free HIV self-testing kits to sex workers, identifying as female (www.flashhivtest.co.uk) . The project is is trans inclusive and translated into 6 languages to improve access for migrant sex workers.

Do you recommend any other means, apart from adverts on sex worker platforms, Twitter@FLASH_Self_Test, FB (FLASH Self-test) & here that I can reach out to more people?.

Thanks,
Monica

I did this test. It was easy and hassle free. Filled in the online questionnaire but never received any Amazon voucher or got contacted to do the telephone questionnaire which I stated I was happy to do also.

Hi

We have been running the FLASH website as a pilot to find out what sex workers think of this option of testing for HIV.
We differ from self-sampling by: smaller amount of blood, easier, results in front of you in 15 minutes

We have had around 55 orders since July launch and the summary responses in survey are overwhelmingly positive: 
They found the FLASH test:
convenient, easy to use, felt more in control, discrete, confident doing it and aware where to get support with a positive result

We are running this FLASH pilot until December. The more people that trial this method (and give us feedback) the more likely it is we may be able to get funding to extend this service.
So if you can spread the word (here and elsewhere) if you have tried it or not, that would be great.

Surveys are optional, take 5 mins,  and can be done online after testing. We offer a £10 Amazon voucher for each one.

The website has been translated into 5 other languages: Spanish, Portuguese, Thai, Romanian and Chinese, so do pass this option on to those whose first language isn't English. Surveys are in these languages too and interpreters available.

Any concerns drop me a line on this thread and I'll respond. My details are on the website too @flashhivetest.co.uk - we are on Twitter too and follow us for updates.

Thanks for any support and thanks for those who have shared their experience on this forum.

Monica
FLASH Coordinator

We have had lots of really good feedback from the women/trans women that have ordered and tried the FLASH HIV test so far.

I know many women found out about FLASH on SAAFE. I really value this space for services like ours (Sex Worker Outreach Project Brighton) to promote the things on offer.

If anyone you know, or reading, this hasn't had an HIV test lately - It's National HIV Testing Week, so order a kit from https://flashhivtest.co.uk/order-your-test/ the kit will be with you in a few days.

Results within 15 minutes of you testing. Small spot of blood.
Convenient, Anonymous, Confidential, Easy, Quick and testing a new services for sex workers.

Kit users have the option to do a survey (to give feedback) for £10 Amazon voucher
And take part in an anonymous telephone interview about your experience for £50 Amazon voucher.

We really value what you think.

Offer runs until Jan 2019.

Just wanted to add I had a really positive experience using this and done both the online and telephone questionnaire for Amazon vouchers!

Thanks so much Lucie268 for taking part in the FLASH Project and sharing your experience with the team, via survey & interview, and also recommending to your colleagues on SAAFE.
Means a lot.
Monica

I recently used this service and would definitely recommend.Package arrived within days of ordering and very discretely packaged .
It’s very easy to use with clear step by step instructions .And very easy to read results similar to those cheap pregnancy test strips you can buy .
I’ve not had time to complete the survey yet but will do as soon as I can .
Many thanks