Home Testing for HIV

Abstract

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been struggling for nearly two decades over the possible approval of a do-it-yourself home test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Now, after years of politicking and lawsuits, it finally looks possible. Last November, after OraSure Technologies announced that it was seeking over-the-counter status for its rapid HIV-antibody test, the FDA convened a panel of experts to determine the requirements for approval of a home test. The OraQuick test, which is widely used in clinics, works like a home pregnancy test, except that it uses oral fluid instead of urine.