Canadians can now buy and use an HIV self-test at home, a major step forward for HIV care and prevention. The one-minute test lets people learn their status privately and safely, in whatever setting feels right for them.
Although self-testing kits have long been available in more than 30 countries—including the U.S., U.K., Germany and France—Canada had not approved them until now. The World Health Organization identified self-testing as a key tool in ending HIV back in 2016.
Health Canada’s decision follows a national clinical trial led by Toronto’s MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael’s Hospital. Knowing such evidence was required for approval, the research team secured funding, conducted the study, and submitted the data. On Monday, Health Canada licensed a one-minute, finger-prick blood test made by bioLytical Laboratories in Richmond, B.C.
“HIV self-testing has been the missing link to reach the more than 9,000 people in Canada who don’t know they’re living with HIV,” said Dr. Sean B. Rourke, director of REACH Nexus at MAP. “Low-barrier, accessible testing is essential to reducing stigma, increasing diagnosis, and getting Canada closer to ending the HIV epidemic.”
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