The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulation Agency (MHRA) has issued a warning against the reliability of illegal home test kits for HIV.
Th MHRA indicates that these kits may be giving people inaccurate results and they are currently investigating a website which sells the kits. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) have also written to some people who have been sold the kits to inform them of the problems.
The MHRA have also indicated that some legal home test kits for other sexually transmitted diseases also have some issues which can lead to inaccurate results.
The MHRA have gathered sales information which shows that approximately 500 tests have been sold. The tests include HIV tests, chlamydia and syphilis and whilst the HIV tests are not legal, others also do not meet EU regulations.
Suzanne Ludgate from the MHRA has advised people not to consider the internet as a means to purchase self-test kits for sexually transmitted diseases. Although the internet can help an individual remain anonymous, the kits may be difficult to use and may not be compliant with health regulations. They also have a significant risk providing inaccurate results.
Ms Ludgate also advises anyone purchasing the kits to check for the CE mark as this is an indicator of whether the test has been approved or not.
Dr Fortune Ncube, from the HPA points out that quick and confidential tests and advice are freely available through the NHS. Dr Ncube also said: “If anybody feels they have put themselves at risk they should contact their local GP or go to their most convenient GUM clinic, where they can receive a full screen for all STIs, including HIV.”