Survey: Consumers would support an OTC test for HIV

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As many as 74% of consumers would support a rapid, oral swab HIV test available over the counter, according to a survey released Friday by Who's Positive, a national HIV awareness organization.



“Our survey demonstrates widespread support for additional testing options, especially among younger generations and those who are already living with HIV,” stated 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."



Other key findings included:

• 
  

  66% of the respondents who identify as a HIV-positive consumer support an OTC HIV test;

  
  


• 
  

  80% of those younger than 30 years support an OTC HIV test; and

  
  


• 
  

  47% of those who identify as one who performs HIV testing support an HIV OTC test.

  
  

Full survey findings will be shared at an upcoming Food and Drug Administration advisory committee meeting that will debate whether or not OraSure Technologies' OraQuick Rapid HIV-1/2 test should be made available for sale without a prescription May 15.



The survey gathered responses from 1,569 participants; approximately half of the respondents were identified as people living with HIV/AIDS.

Interested in this topic? Sign up for our weekly Collaborative Care e-newsletter.