HIV self-test gives results in minutes

bioLytical Laboratories, producers of rapid infectious disease test, have released its HIV self-tests in the United Kingdom. The HIV self-test is able to provide results in minutes and is over 99 percent accurate.

The test INSTI HIV Self Test was developed with a new one-minute test, providing detection of up to two weeks earlier than conventional HIV home tests. After being tested on the British population, researchers found that 75 percent of users lived in rural areas not easily accessible to healthcare.

"We developed the INSTI HIV Self Test for just this reason, to enable individuals to take control of their own schedule when it comes to HIV testing,” said Stan Miele, bioLytical's Chief Commercial Officer. “The test is easy to use and can be conducted in the comfort of your own home offering an instant result."

The test uses one drop of blood from a simple finger prick to provide results in minutes. The kit includes a resource card on where to seek help if the test comes up positive and to give people with questions peace of mind. The test gives an estimated 18,000 people, unaware of their positive HIV status, the chance to test themselves within the comfort of home and without the hassle of making a doctors appointment.

"Two of the biggest barriers we face in confronting HIV are awareness and access,” said Christian Jessen. “Online access to tests and education on the importance of HIV testing are vital this World AIDS Day."