The AAZ company, which manufactures the AIDS self-tests, announced in a press release that nearly 70,000 self-tests HIV had already been ordered by some 9,000 pharmacies throughout France.
Those AIDS self-tests are tests that allow the detection of anti-HIV antibodies. They are issued without a medical prescription and are carried out directly by the interested party using a simple sample of blood or saliva. From a drop of blood taken by prick of the fingertip, autotest VIH® can reliably detect an HIV infection older than 3 months. The result of seropositivity is provided in less than 30 minutes, but it must still be confirmed by conventional laboratory screening. These tests are similar to the rapid diagnostic orientation tests (TROD) already used by associations, outside of hospitals.
“This was a first HIV test for 36% of buyers, according to results made public by AAZ,” according to the results of a survey of 407 self-tests sold from September 15 to October 15. “Among them, 28% declared that they would not have gone to a screening center if the self-test had not been available in pharmacies,” adds the AAZ company, which manufactures them.
AIDS in France
Each year, more than 6,000 new HIV infections are discovered in France. People are mainly infected through sexual intercourse. The National Institute for Public Health Surveillance (INVS) estimates that 30,000 to 40,000 people with HIV are unaware of it. However, early detection of HIV infection allows patients to benefit from rapid and effective medical care which increases their expectation and quality of life. “These people alone are responsible for 60% of new contaminations, or nearly 3,600 per year” according to Bruno Spire, former president of Aides. “Getting tested is therefore saving your life, but also saving the lives of others. “
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HIV: how does it work in the body?
HIV: how to use the new self-tests
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