HIV Testing: From POC to In-Home?
Who's Positive, a national HIV awareness organization, says consumers want at-home HIV tests. Results from a year-long online survey measuring support for over-the-counter HIV testing will be presented today to the FDA Blood Products Advisory Committee.
Who's Positive will tell the FDA that of 1,569 participants, 74 percent would support an OTC rapid, oral swab HIV test that could be purchased in a retail store, if approved by the FDA. Other key findings that will be reported include:
- 66% of the respondents who identify as a HIV-positive consumer support an OTC HIV test
- 80% of those aged to 30 support an OTC HIV test
- A majority or nearly 52% of those who identified as a paid member of an HIV/AIDS organization support an OTC HIV test
- 47% of those who identify as one who performs HIV testing support an HIV OTC test
"Over-the-counter testing has the potential to break down barriers and empower people who have never been tested before to learn their HIV status and, if positive, find the care and support they need," said Tom Donohue, founding director of Who's Positive, via a Newswise news release.
Some questions remain: Will those who test positive get counseling, seek medical care, understand the implications? What do you think about OTC HIV tests?