Pros and Cons of home testing for HIV

If you are worried that you might have diabetes, a heart condition or practically any other potentially life-threatening medical condition, you will probably make a beeline for the doctor’s surgery without delay. You will get yourself checked out and find out exactly what is what and what you need to do in order to treat, cure or manage the problem as effectively as possible.

Yet when it comes to HIV testing, people still have a certain reluctance to come forward. It seems ridiculous in this day and age that such a serious, yet highly treatable, medical condition should be stigmatised to the extent that people will put their lives in danger rather than get themselves tested, but this is the fact of the matter. 

The embarrassment, stigma or whatever term you wish to use that still surrounds HIV/ AIDS in some people’s minds is not something that can be got rid of with a magic wand. Could the increased availability of a simple HIV home test be the answer, when it comes to getting people diagnosed sooner? Every solution has its pros and cons, so let’s take a look at the advantages, and potential pitfalls of HIV home testing. 

Early diagnosis saves lives 

The most obvious advantage to home testing is that it could be a life saver, both for the sufferer and those with whom he or she might come into intimate contact. There is a wide range of evidence to show that early diagnosis is better for the patient in terms of getting the best possible outcome from treatment. The sad truth is that a third of sufferers live with the problem for such a long time before finally being diagnosed that it is too late for them to reap the full benefits that treatment can offer. In this context, the “early warning” provided by a home HIV test can only be a good thing. 

Speed and simplicity 

Self testing for HIV is also something that can be done very quickly and easily. The test only requires a few drops of blood, and provides a lancet with which to obtain a sample from your fingertip and full instructions on how to take the sample. The “home strip” version gives a result in just 15 minutes. 

Potential “HIV screening?” 

So much for the positives, but there are also concerns about the possibility that the kits could be misused. Some are worried that individuals will use them to “screen” potential sexual partners, and insist they take an HIV test before going any further. If individuals are being coerced into taking a test, it sets up a dangerous dynamic. And what happens if it comes back positive, does that mean the individual is “rejected” from the relationship? It is easy to understand why this is cause for concern. 

Accuracy 

Home HIV tests are proven to be highly accurate, provided they are used properly and within the specified test window. This is the other source of concern. The test is not being performed in a controlled medical environment. 

Are home HIV tests worth it? 

There is no doubt that a home test can save lives, so it is certainly worthwhile. Just make sure you are taking the test for the right reason, that you follow the instructions and that you have thought about the next steps to take if it gives a positive result.