POPULATION REDUCTION AGENDA INCREASES WITH OVER-THE-COUNTER HIV TESTS

Over-the-counter HIV tests backed by US panel

Blood tests have traditionally been used to detect the HIV virus

16 May 2012 Last updated at 07:18

Over-the-counter HIV tests that would allow people to check in the privacy of their homes if they have the virus have moved a step closer in the US.

A panel of experts said the OraQuick In-Home HIV Test was safe and effective and its potential to prevent infections outweighed the risk of false results.

The Food and Drug Administration will decide this year whether to approve it.

The 20-minute test is 93% accurate for positive results and 99.8% for negative, the manufacturer said.

HIV affects nearly 1.2m people in the US, with 50,000 new cases each year.

‘Game changer’

Experts on the Blood Products Advisory Committee voted 17-0 to back the test, saying it would help people who are HIV-positive get access to healthcare [DEATHCARE] and social services.

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