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Home sample collection tests for HIV infection
1National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. BMB2@cdc.gov
JAMA
|December 1, 1998
Summary
Home sample collection tests for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were used by at-risk individuals, including those new to testing. Most users with positive HIV results accessed care or received referrals, indicating effectiveness in reaching populations for HIV prevention and control.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Control
Background:
- Home sample collection (HSC) tests offer unsupervised, convenient human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing.
- Understanding HSC test utilization is crucial for assessing their public health impact on HIV prevention and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the usage patterns and user demographics of HIV home sample collection tests.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of data from HIV HSC test manufacturers (1996-1997).
- Involved a volunteer sample of consumers using two distinct HSC tests in the United States.
- Collected demographic and behavioral data from users.
Main Results:
- Over 174,000 HIV HSC tests were submitted; 0.9% were positive.
- Most users were men, white, and aged 25-34; highest prevalence was in nonwhites, aged 35-44, men who have sex with men, and injection drug users.
- Nearly 60% of all users and 49% of HIV-positive users had never been tested before; 65% of HIV-positive users accepted referrals for care.
Conclusions:
- HIV HSC tests successfully reached individuals at risk and those not previously tested.
- The majority of HIV-positive users accessed medical care or accepted referrals, highlighting the utility of HSC tests in HIV management and public health strategies.