An East London doctor, who wishes to remain anonymous, welcomed the recent introduction of HIV home testing kits, saying that ‘the test empowers people.’
There was no more risk involved, he maintained, ‘than if they were never tested’.
What if someone tested positive but failed to modify their sexual behaviour? The doctor pointed out that: ‘if they knew they had received a positive result and then infected somebody else, they would be liable for prosecution.’
He also observed that some people might not come forward for testing at genito-urinary clinics because they could now tell themselves they would take the test at home instead – and then fail to do so.
HIV home testing kits went on sale in the UK at the end of April. The kit gives a result in 15 minutes. It works by testing antibodies from a speck of blood taken from the fingertip. Two purple lines mean that the test is positive, although in this event further testing at the nearest sexual health clinic is strongly recommended.
Rosemary Gillespie, chief executive of Aids-related charity, the Terrence Higgins Trust, said: ‘We campaigned for a long time to secure the legalisation of HIV self-test kits, so it is great to see the first self-test kits being approved.’ She added: ‘it is important to make sure people can get quick access to support when they get their result.’ Sian Killean