Home HIV Testing in Twenty Minutes

Posted on October 15, 2005

The BBC reports that the US Food and Drugs Administration is considering making a fast HIV test available for home use. The test from Orasure Technologies just takes twenty minutes and people can use a swab sample instead of a blood test.

An individual would be able to tell within 20 minutes whether they had the infection or not, in the privacy of their own home.
Many have expressed fears that people who find out in this way may kill themselves and hence testing should be supervised and counselled face to face.
Home HIV testing kits are banned in the UK for such reasons. However, some buy unapproved kits over the internet.

The BBC article says that there is currently a test available in the U.S. where you prick your finger, mail in a blood sample and then contact a phone number anonymously to learn the results. The test from OraQuick definitely sounds quicker, easier and more private.

HEALTH
HIV