13% of people with HIV (24,000 people) in France ignore their serological status.
HIV or “human immunodeficiency virus” is transmitted sexual and weakens the immune system. In the absence of treatment, he is responsible for AIDS. AIDS is the most advanced step in HIV infection. To detect the HIV virus, it is possible to make a self -test alone at your home. The sampling and interpretation of the results are to be done yourself. This test makes it possible to detect anti-HIV antibodies in 30 minutes from a drop of blood.
The screening test can be performed from the 21ste even 15e day following the situation at risk. The self -test is very easy to use. After laying the contents of the box on a flat surface, read the instructions, making sure to properly perform the steps one after the other. Place the autopicist on the tip of your finger. The drop of blood removed thanks to the self-test makes it possible to highlight the presence of anti-HIV-1 and/or anti-VIH-2 antibodies in 30 minutes.
How to interpret the results?
“We must respect a period of 15 minutes between the moment when the drop of blood is taken and put it in contact with the product and the interpretation of the result. If you read it an hour later, it clearly loses its reliability” prevents our interlocutor.
- The test is negative: a negative test is completely reliable 3 months after a risk taking.
- The test is positive: the result must be confirmed by a blood test in the laboratory.
The reliability of the tests is not perfect; There are false positives (positive test and absence of contamination) and false negatives (negative test and real contamination). “You have to be vigilant with the expiration date which can cause false negatives”, notes the department head.
Can we buy a self-test in pharmacy without a prescription?
You can get a self -test in all pharmacies without a prescription and if this is not the case, this is ordered in 24 hours. These self -tests are not supported by health insurance. “”There are also on the internet with home delivery. However, you have to be careful that it is well the standard“Insists the specialist.
What is the reliability of an AIDS screening self -test?
Overall, the self -test is 99%reliable, provided that there is a period of 3 months between the last risk taking and the test. Doing it 10 days after an unprotected gear is useless. In addition, the test must be done correctly. “”However, people are not necessarily used to this kind of this test. It is necessary to respect a period of fifteen minutes between the moment when the drop of blood is taken and that it is put in contact with the product and the interpretation of the result. If you read it an hour later, it clearly loses its reliability. Finally, you have to be vigilant with the expiration date because there can be false negatives “, notes the department head.
What is the price of a screening car and is it reimbursed?
Prices vary from 10 to 30 euros, not reimbursed by health insurance.
Thank you to Dr Pierre Abgueguen, head of the infectious and tropical disease department and internal medicine at the Angers University Hospital.
Sheet Detect HIV, Health Insurance, January 24, 2022.
