May 17, 2012 | Health Matters

FDA panel backs home tests for HIV

US citizens are one step closer to being able to test themselves for HIV in the privacy of their own homes. This week, the Food and Drug Administration advisory panel recommended approval of the first rapid, over-the-counter HIV test.

All 17 members of the panel agreed there were more benefits than risks with the OraQuick HIV test. The mouth swab test returns a result within 20 minutes; however, it is not 100% accurate. It was found to accurately indicate the virus only 93% of the time when administered at home (versus 99% when the same test is used by professionals).

Government estimates state that about 1.2 million HIV carriers in the U.S. are not even aware they are infected. The panel felt that the test could help prevent 4,000 new transmissions of the virus each year.

"Over-the-counter testing has the potential to reach a far greater number of people who want to know their HIV status on their own terms," said Tom Donohue, founder of HIV awareness group Who's Positive.

Currently the test is being sold to health care professionals for $17.50. The company would not disclose the cost of the proposed consumer version.

The FDA will now consider the panel's finding and make a final decision on the test later this year.

Do-It-Yourself HIV Test? FDA Considers Approval [TIME]

OraQuick, Take-Home HIV Test, Backed By FDA Panel [Huffington Post]