This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
HIV self-test kit on sale in UK
The test, made by Bio Sure UK, detects antibodies on a small drop of blood, which are often only detectable after three months after the infection is caught. If the test is positive, two purple lines appear on the device. However, any positive tests must be reconfirmed by health professionals.
It is currently estimated that 26,000 people have undiagnosed HIV in the UK. An early diagnosis means that people can get treatment quicker, prevent serious complications and make it less likely to pass the infection on.
Charities have welcomed the test and hope it will encourage those in threat to get checked, as it means that the initial necessity to attend a clinic is removed.
Dr Rosemary Gillespie, chief executive at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: "We campaigned for a long time to secure the legalisation of HIV self-test kits which happened in April 2014, so it is great to see the first self-test kits being approved. However, it is important to make sure people can get quick access to support when they get their result."
Free HIV tests remain available on the NHS.
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