Get tested for HIV… on your couch

You may have heard the recent news that the first ever home rapid HIV test, OraQuick, is now available in stores and online. You may even remember our previous post on this very topic. People are able to purchase the test kit for about $40 at stores such as Walgreens and CVS, or on the OraQuick website. This is huge news! Here’s why:

There are approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. that have HIV and 1 out of 5 of them are unaware of their status. People who don’t know they are HIV+ are much more likely to unknowingly transmit the virus to others. They are also at greater risk for serious health problems and early death with HIV.

 

A recent study found that 84% of gay and bi men say they would administer a self-test if one were available. Sometimes it feels hard to make time to take care of ourselves, even if it’s something as important as getting tested for HIV. It can also be scary to get tested. For some, the appeal of taking a quick test in the comfort and privacy of home is a deal breaker.

 

Many people are concerned that without the support of a trained HIV counselor, people who test positive for HIV may be upset, hurt themselves, or ignore the result. Finding out you have any disease is difficult, but an HIV+ diagnosis is crushing to some. Trained professionals can connect folks to resources and explain why being poz isn’t a death sentence today.  

 

While the oral swab test is 98% accurate when conducted by a professional, it’s estimated that the test is only 92% accurate when conducted by an average person. OraQuick recommends that if a person tests positive, they contact a professional for follow up.

This is a controversial issue: will home rapid HIV tests prompt more people to get tested and learn their status? Will people who test positive access the resources they need to stay healthy?

What do you think, readers?

If you’d like to get tested for HIV at AID Atlanta, contact us at (800) 551-2728 or visit this website.