HIV community supports rapid OTC testing

Who's Positive, a national HIV awareness organization, today announced the results of a year-long online survey measuring support for over-the counter (OTC) HIV testing. The organization will present these results at the upcoming U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Blood Products Advisory Committee (BPAC) on May 15, 2012.

Overall, the survey findings demonstrate support for rapid OTC testing - particularly from the HIV community - with approximately half of the respondents identified as people living with HIV/AIDS.

The survey gathered responses from 1,569 participants, 74% of which said that they would support an OTC rapid, oral swab HIV test that could be purchased in a retail store, if approved by the FDA. Other key findings include:

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

• 80% of those aged to 30 support an OTC HIV test

• A majority or nearly 52% of those who identified as a paid member of an HIV/AIDS organization support an OTC HIV test

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

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