Health Canada has given the green light to an oral self-test for HIV, providing Canadians with a new, less invasive method of testing for the virus at home. The OraQuick HIV self-test, developed by U.S.-based OraSure Technologies, is the first of its kind to receive approval for sale in Canada. This test utilizes a saliva swab to detect the virus and can be conveniently conducted at home, delivering results within just 20 minutes according to OraSure.
The exclusive distributor of this oral self-test in Canada is the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. They are now accepting online orders for the tests, with shipments expected to commence in the upcoming weeks. Previously, Canada had approved an at-home test for HIV in 2020; however, that test required a blood sample obtained through a finger prick.
Dr. Sean Rourke, a neuropsychologist at St. Michael’s Hospital, emphasized the importance of providing Canadians with options for testing. He highlighted the significance of the oral self-test, particularly for individuals uncomfortable with drawing their own blood, as it offers a less invasive alternative.
The new test comes at a crucial time, considering the rise in new HIV diagnoses in Canada in 2023 followed by a decrease in 2024. Dr. Rourke expressed optimism that the oral self-test could help identify some of the estimated 7,000 Canadians living with HIV unknowingly, especially those who do not typically engage with the healthcare system.
The oral self-test, priced between $15 and $20, is expected to be accessible to a wider population. While the test is highly accurate, Dr. Rejean Thomas from Montreal’s Clinique médicale l’Actuel recommended confirming results with a laboratory blood test. Despite advancements in HIV treatment, the stigma surrounding the virus remains a challenge, underscoring the importance of post-testing support and information.
Communities at higher risk of HIV exposure, such as racialized groups, men who have sex with men, and individuals who inject drugs, stand to benefit from the convenience and privacy offered by the new test. Efforts are underway to make the test more widely available through potential government funding and partnerships to ensure equitable access for vulnerable populations.
