Superdrug has become the UK’s first high street store to provide HIV self-testing kits that use gum swabs rather than blood.
The OraQuickTM HIV Self-Test does not require a blood sample; instead, it identifies antibodies that develop in the mouth of everyone infected with HIV.
The findings are easy to interpret and ready in 20 minutes, with an accuracy of more than 99.7%.
‘Many more individuals are now getting tested for HIV through kits they purchase online to perform at home, and providing this alternative means of HIV self-testing provides them more option and accessibility to know their HIV status,’ said Caris Newson, Superdrug healthcare director.
Caris Newson, Superdrug healthcare director, said: ‘Many more people are now getting tested for HIV through kits they order online to do at home and launching an additional method of HIV self-testing gives them further choice and accessibility to know their HIV status.
‘We’re hoping that increasing testing options will help quickly improve HIV testing rates to return to pre-Covid levels and then beyond them towards the Government’s goal of ending new HIV cases in the UK by 2030.’
Brian Reid, vice president diagnostics international, at OraSure Technologies, the company behind the OraQuick, said: ‘At a time when the number of people diagnosed late with HIV continues to rise and while there are still too many undiagnosed cases of HIV, it’s critical that individuals have access to the most user-friendly HIV self-test available.
‘Knowing your HIV status is the necessary first step in helping you to make informed choices and assume responsibility for your own healthcare.
