HIV self-tests soon on sale

Federal Council allows free sale of HIV self-tests

A few months ago it had been announced that the long-announced HIV self-test will be available from autumn on. Now the Federal Council has given the green light. Experts welcome the decision.

Many sufferers know nothing about their infection

The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reported a few years ago about estimates that around 14,000 Germans were unknowingly infected with HIV. Even then, the number of people affected could have been lower if people who suspected they had been infected could simply test themselves for the fatal pathogen. Now it has been decided that such HIV self-tests can be sold soon without a prescription.

HIV self-tests may soon be sold in Germany - even without a doctor's prescription. Experts expect that these tests can prevent many AIDS and HIV infections. (Image: beermedia.de/fotolia.com)

Federal Council allows release of HIV self-tests

As reported by the Federal Ministry of Health in a communication, the Federal Council on Friday allowed the delivery of HIV self-tests - so-called "home tests".

So far, HIV rapid tests in Germany can only be submitted to doctors, medical laboratories and certain other institutions, authorities and companies.

Due to the new amendment to the Medical Devices Levy Regulation, people in Germany will be able to buy HIV self-tests in the future, for example in pharmacies, drugstores or on the Internet - even without a doctor's prescription.

According to the information, the self-test should be used by people who previously shy away from a test at the doctor and therefore can not test or only occasionally test.

HIV can be detected earlier and treated faster.

Fight against HIV and AIDS

"We want to support people who are testing for HIV without medical advice," said Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn.

"With the sale clearance for such HIV self-tests, we can be even more successful in the fight against HIV and AIDS," said the politician.

"The earlier sufferers know the diagnosis of HIV, the sooner they can be treated well. And others, when insecure, have the chance to quickly reassure themselves that they are not infected. "

HIV is no longer transferrable under therapy

The German AIDS-Hilfe, which has long campaigned for the introduction of the HIV self-test, welcomed the decision of the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Council.

"The HIV self-test will prevent many AIDS diseases and HIV infections," said Sylvia Urban from the Board of the German AIDS Help (DAH) in a statement.

"Free availability lowers the inhibition threshold, allowing more people to make an early diagnosis and thus treatment. Under therapy, HIV is no longer transferable, "said the expert.

Test three months after the last risk of HIV infection
According to the German AIDS-AID, the self-test will presumably be available for free from October.

According to the experts, a test is always appropriate if there is a chance of becoming infected with HIV.

However, the test can not rule out HIV infection until three months after the last risk. Positive results must always be confirmed with another test in the doctor's office.

Problem of late diagnosis

DAH also points out that although the HIV self-test is an important supplement to the diverse range of tests in Germany, it will not completely solve the problem of late diagnosis.

"Many people do not go to the HIV test because they are afraid of being labeled if the test is positive," says DAH board member Sylvia Urban.

"The most important measure against AIDS is therefore the commitment against rejection, blame and discrimination," said the expert.

"Also important is the message that you can live well with HIV today. Because many people still have the horrors of old days in mind and displace the topic because of it. "(Ad)