HIV Home Testing (November 1999)

Position adoptée par le conseil d’administration de la Société canadienne du sida, novembre 1999.

At its November meeting, the Canadian AIDS Society Board of Directors considered the issue of HIV home test kits. The Board took a strong stand against home testing by adopting a resolution stating that "CAS does not support the use of home test kits." The Board recommended that the use and sale of such kits be banned in Canada.

Currently, no HIV home test kits are approved for sale in Canada. However, because of the free flow of goods across the Canada/US border, Canadians can access home test kits through the U.S. The CAS Board, in taking its stand against the use of these kits, cited the following concerns:

• The accuracy of some home test kits is not reliable;
• The home test method does not allow for appropriate counselling and support;
• Individuals may be coerced into being tested or be tested without their consent; and
• HIV testing is part of the publicly funded health care system; individuals should not have to pay for HIV testing.