Warning over faulty HIV home test kits

Summary of story from BBCNews, October 26, 2011

Illegal home testing kits for HIV are giving people incorrect results, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned.

It said that as well as home HIV tests being against the law, there were also legal tests for other STDs which did not meet European regulations either.

The Health Protection Agency is currently investigating a UK website which is selling the tests and has contacted those known to have ordered the kits.

Sales records gathered during an investigation showed that about 500 tests for sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV, chlamydia and syphilis, had been sold.

Susanne Ludgate, MHRA clinical director of devices, said people should check for the “CE mark” when buying, which shows the tests have been approved.

And Dr Fortune Ncube, from the HPA’s blood borne viruses department, said if anybody felt they had put themselves at risk they should contact their local doctor or go to their most convenient GUM clinic, where they can receive a full screen for all sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.

“Rapid and confidential tests, as well as sexual health advice, are available through the NHS without charge,” Dr Ncube added.