New scheme makes HIV home testing kits available

NHS Tayside has thrown its support behind a new scheme providing people with HIV home testing kits.

HIV Scotland and Waverley Care have joined forces to provide people with a free HIV testing service at a time when access to sexual health ser vices is reduced to emergency and symptomatic testing only.

The service, HIV Self Test Scotland, provides results in 15 minutes and people can choose to make a £15 donation or have a free test delivered.

Dr Graham Leslie, a consultant in genitourinary medicine and clinical lead at NHS Tayside’s sexual and reproductive health centre, said: “It’s something we’ve been aiming for for a long time and it’s great to have it.

“People tend to have a bit of a misconception about HIV and, these days, people who get diagnosed with it should have a normal life expectancy and be able to carry on with their life as normal.”

Experts say diagnosing people who are unaware they have the virus – currently estimated to be about 500 people in Scotland – will help to break the chain of transmission.

Nathan Sparling, chief executive of HIV Scotland, said: “For most people, self-testing is fast, safe, accurate and convenient – and it provides people with another option that can help people get swift access to treatment if needed.

“It’s important for everyone to know their HIV status so they can protect their health, and that of their partners too.”

Details of the service can be found at hivtest. scot.