Australia urged to fast-track approval of HIV self-testing devices
Image: (PHOTO: Ann-Marie Calilhanna; Star Observer)
AUSTRALIA鈥檚 peak HIV body is calling for the approval of self-testing devices to help find earlier diagnoses of the virus.
The Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations has urged the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to fast-track the national approval of the devices, in light of the TGA鈥檚 plan to implement a new pathway for approval early next year.
Although the government lifted the ban on HIV self-testing devices over two years ago, suppliers still need TGA approval to sell them in the country.
In a report by , national president of the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations Bridget Haire said the technology would be able to transform people鈥檚 understanding of the virus in Australia.
鈥淲e have this opportunity to dramatically change the HIV epidemic,鈥� she said.
鈥淲e may be able to end new HIV infections in Australia 鈥� but that鈥檚 a matter not just of treatment and prevention, it鈥檚 also that we need to currently find out who has HIV in order to be able to end the epidemic.
鈥淭esting is an absolutely critical part of that.鈥�
Haire added that while the self-testing devices could help to find earlier diagnoses of HIV, they aren鈥檛 100 per cent accurate.
鈥淭he tests are very accurate if they鈥檙e used the right way,鈥� she said.
鈥淪o with a self-test, there鈥檚 a window period of about three months.
鈥淭hat means the test you do today doesn鈥檛 tell you the HIV result for the risk behaviour you had yesterday or last week.鈥�
The TGA is currently conducting consultation into the accelerated assessment of medical devices, and is considering submissions as part of the consultation process.
