Who’s Positive, a national HIV awareness organization, announced the results of a year-long online survey measuring support for over-the counter (OTC) HIV testing. The organization will present these results at the upcoming US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Blood Products Advisory Committee (BPAC) on May 15, 2012.
Overall, the survey findings demonstrate support for rapid OTC testing—particularly from the HIV community—with approximately half of the respondents identified as people living with HIV/AIDS.
The survey gathered responses from 1,569 participants, 74% of which said that they would support an OTC rapid, oral swab HIV test that could be purchased in a retail store, if approved by the FDA.
“Our survey demonstrates widespread support for additional testing options, especially among younger generations and those who are already living with HIV,” said Tom Donohue, founding director of Who’s Positive. "Over-the-counter testing has the potential to break down barriers and empower people who have never been tested before to learn their HIV status and, if positive, find the care and support they need."
Source: Who’s Positive
