If approved, the new HIV testing kit will allow individuals to check their HIV status in complete privacy at home within just 20 minutes.
Previously, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved another type of at-home HIV test. This method requires users to send a special card containing a dry blood sample taken from their finger to a laboratory for analysis. After testing, individuals would then call a toll-free number, disclose their personal identification information, and receive their results along with post-test guidance.
Compared to this method, the new testing kit, OraQuick test, is currently only available to doctors and hospitals in the United States and can deliver results just 20 minutes after being placed in the mouth. Similar to a pregnancy test, one line indicates a negative result, while two lines mean the tester is HIV positive.
This means that more people can detect their HIV status without fear of being identified. It is hoped that this could facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, enhancing the quality of life for patients.
However, there are concerns that individuals who self-test may misinterpret their results or may not be able to cope with the shock of finding out they are HIV positive. The kit may need to come with an instructional guide.
There is also a possibility that some cases may yield false results, meaning individuals who believe they are HIV positive may receive a negative result, while those who think they do not carry the virus could test positive.
This is also why at-home HIV testing has been banned in the United States. However, some individuals still purchase testing kits illegally over the Internet.
