HIV self-testing could stem spread of virus

Half of HIV sufferers are unaware they have the virus, and a further 2.5 million become infected each year.

However, screenings, while effective, are not always taken up because of fear and stigma, the journal PLOS Medicine reports.

A major review of the evidence suggests that self-testing removes much of that stigma and fear, and could help reduce transmission of the virus.

Latest figures show there are about 4,315 people living with HIV in Scotland. Of 260 people recently reported as HIV-positive, 195 (75 per cent) are male, and 157 (60 per cent) are aged 25 to 44.

Dr Nitika Pant Pai, of McGill University in Canada, said: “Thirty years into the HIV epidemic, there is no vaccine in sight.

“Treatment as a prevention strategy has been known to work, but uptake of HIV screening seems to be limited by a societal problem: HIV stigma and perceived discrimination.”

She said access to an HIV self-test, linked to counselling, would help expand access to screening and reduce judgment and perceived attitudes around HIV testing.

The tests are performed at home using saliva samples, and can provide results within 20 minutes. A positive result requires confirmation at a clinic.

Dr Pant Pai and her colleagues examined 21 worldwide studies and found two distinct self-testing strategies had been tried – supervised and unsupervised, with counselling for the latter available by phone or internet.

The evidence suggested people preferred self-testing to going to a medical facility.

Dr Pant Pai said: “The preference was largely driven by the fact the oral self-tests are non- invasive, convenient, easy to swab and do not involve a finger-stick or blood from your arm for a preliminary screen.

“A lot of people also wanted to take the oral self-test home to test their partners.”

James Whyte, community development manager with Gay Men’s Health, a Scottish charity, said persuading men to get tested for HIV was one of his organisation’s main priorities.

“Two-thirds of all new HIV cases in Scotland are men having sex with other men. About a quarter of gay men living with HIV are unaware of their status.

“There is increasingly strong evidence that if you are HIV-positive and on treatment, it is not a death sentence and you can live a long and healthy life.

“It is better to know your status, positive or negative. If positive, then you can access medication and get the treatment.

Mr Whyte added: “We would prefer people to be tested in a controlled environment with a trained professional there who can give support.”