Ireland’s Health Product Regulator Issues Advice on HIV Self-Test Kits

Ireland’s Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) issued advice on using HIV self-test kits and warned against relying upon them.

The HPRA said that while the kits can help to identify a potential virus, “they should not be relied upon in isolation.” It directed potentially infected patients to consult their STI/genitourinary medicine clinic as soon as possible, as they can provide more accurate testing methods.

It directed users of the kits to check for a European address on the packaging — which should not be damaged — and the CE Mark, along with its four digit number. In addition, it cautioned that the kits are not appropriate for patients already diagnosed with the virus or for those taking PrEP.