Being that over 60% of those affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are oblivious to the fact that they are infected, there is a logical argument supporting the sale of self-testing kits, similar to the pregnancy tests offered in stores such as Rite-Aid.
Tests could empower users. Mutual testing could increase cognizance of risk and dodge unprotected sex between discordant partners. Not needing to rely on doctors, the tests could also be taken in a confidential and anonymous way. It would be effective for ostracized communities exposed to HIV at a higher rate, such as sex workers or homosexual men.
The test is quick, says Nautilus, and as easy as a pregnancy test. People doing the test don’t even have to prick themselves, rather they use saliva. More interesting, a woman in labor can take the oral test and quickly get medicine that would keep the infection from being passed to her child.
Before making kits available for at-home use, patient advocates feared that a positive HIV diagnosis could cause suicides without counselors nearby. Other issues with being diagnosed include coping, the stigma surrounding—and discrimination related to—the infection.
Studies in the U.S. have shown that, after a positive result, individuals are willing to go to a clinic for a follow-up. However, in other countries, it is not fully clear on if an at-home diagnosis would encourage people to continue to a clinic for care or if test results would be precise. In a region of Uganda beleaguered by HIV, trials conducted on three of the most commonly used rapid tests used exposed analytical imprecisions in results.
Also, there are cost issues that would keep some of those who need to test from doing so. Aforementioned false-negative results and missed diagnoses of other sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, are other points detractors stress.
