Health authorities warn against use of HIV home test kits
The Health Department today warned against the use of home test kits for HIV and other conditions which it said are available on the local market.
"The Public Health Regulation Division strongly recommends that people wishing to be tested for any condition should have this done under the supervision of a health professional. In particular people wanting to test for HIV should not use these kits but should refer to their doctor who can arrange for them to have a test carried out. Anybody having an HIV test should have pre and post-test counselling by a trained professional. It is essential that the person is well informed before taking the test and that the result of the test is communicated to the person by a professional who can advise on the result, irrespective of the outcome."
People wanting to be tested for HIV can have their test done from all health centres, Mater Dei Hospital as well as the Genitourinary Clinic at Boffa Hospital. Confidentiality is assured and all the necessary information about prevention, treatment and follow up is given, the department said.
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Albert Falzon
Apr 19th 2008, 12:48
10/04/2008
I am writing on behalf of the company supplying HIV home test kits in the Maltese market and would like to make reference to a press release issued by the Health Department regarding the HIV home test kits found in the market.
I have to point out that these tests have been proved to be 100% accurate by clinical studies carried out by the Tan Tock Seng Hospital of Singapore and the US FDA, They are CE, ISO-9002, USFDA and WHO-GMP approved. I would also like to point out that the Health Department did not contact the importer to obtain information about the product before issuing such press releases. This product is of benefit to all those people who feel ashamed or for some other reason do not manage to have such test done by their personal doctor or in any health centre. This test can be found in all major pharmacies and can also be obtained by contacting the supplier who will send a test kit in all privacy.
ImmunoCheck Home HIV test is an HIV1 and HIV2 whole blood test in rapid direct binding screen test format, for the presence of Antibodies of HIV 1 and HIV 2 viruses in whole blood. The test is based on the principle of double antigen sandwich immunoassay of detection of Anti-HIV in serum or whole blood. Purified recombinants antigens are employed to identify ANTI-HIV specially. Test results are read visually and without the use of any instruments.
What is the ImmunoCheck HIV home test?
The ImmunoCheck HIV antibody test is a simple blood test which detects the presence of antibodies to HIV 1 and HIV 2. The HIV antibody is a protein naturally produced in the body in response to an infection by the HIV. The antibody screening test is important because it provides you with an early indication that you have been infected with the HIV. Early indication can help minimize the likelihood of developing an illness related to AIDS.
However you need to know that the antibody test is not a test for the disease AIDS - it does not tell you if you have AIDS. It will only show whether you have come into contact with the virus which may cause AIDS.
What will the test tell me?
A positive test result shows that the antibody has been found in your blood. If the person is tested positive, He / She needs to contact a physician immediately for Proper Counseling and will also need the help of person’s physician, conversion time of HIV into AIDS can be enhanced on health diet, Vitamin and medications.
A negative test result shows that the antibody has not been found in your blood. If you have any doubts or came in contact with any objects which spread HIV, perform the test again in 90 days and repeat in 180 days from the date of probable infection.
If someone would like to have more information, the agents can be contacted on 27573479 or 99478248 or by email on info@afgroup.biz