Superdrug becomes first high street shop to sell £34 HIV test – and it gives you results in 15 minutes

Superdrug will be selling the kits from today in 200 of it's pharmacy stores.

Early diagnosis for HIV is crucial for treatment to be effective.

A recent study, published in the Lancet, found there is "dangerous complacency" surrounding global HIV risks.

In the UK rates of the infection are falling overall, but they remain persistent in marginalised groups, particularly heterosexual women, younger people, and those over the age of 50.

During 2015 some 61 per cent of HIV positive women and 51 per cent of  men were diagnosed late, making the mortality within this group being 24 times more than that of the UK population.

Makers of the self-test kit, BioSURE, hope the availability on the high street will slash late diagnosis stats.

The test, which costs £33.99, uses a small drop of blood and gives you an easy read result in 15 minutes, compared to the usual 72 hour wait.

Brigette Bard, chief executive of BioSURE, said: "It’s time to change the conversation, take control, and end this epidemic.

"Knowing your status is the necessary first step.

"Around 37 million people worldwide live with HIV or AIDS and there are an estimated 1.8 million new cases every year, however it is an entirely manageable condition with normal life expectancy.

"Once HIV is virally suppressed you can't even pass the virus on – meaning together with education and innovation we can end this epidemic."

There are more than 100,000 people living with HIV in the UK – while an estimated 35 million people are infected worldwide.

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, and weakens your ability to fight infections and disease.

AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, when your body can no longer fight life-threatening infections.

With treatment, most people with HIV do not ever develop AIDS.

Most infected people experience a short illness, similar to flu, two to six weeks after coming into contact with HIV.

These symptoms, which 80 per cent of infected people experience, are a sign that their body is trying to fight HIV.

After this illness, which normally lasts one to two weeks, HIV sufferers will have no symptoms for up to 10 years – during which time they will look and feel well.

However, the virus will continue to cause progressive damage to a person's immune system.

Dr Pixie McKenna, GP and Superdrug’s health expert, added: "While there is no cure, early diagnosis is key in terms of management.

"Patients successfully managed on HIV treatments have normal life expectancy, but to know you need treatment you need to know your diagnosis."

Marc Thompson, health improvement lead at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: "Around 1 in 8 people living with HIV in the UK remain undiagnosed, which is why we strongly welcome anything that increases access to and awareness of HIV testing.

"But not everyone can afford to buy a kit and it’s important to make clear that you can test for free at any sexual health clinic.

"We’re also offering free self-tests kits for communities most affected by HIV in the UK, including gay and bisexual men, trans women and people from black African communities.



 

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