A review of the atomoRapid HIV self-testing device: an acceptable and easy alternative to facilitate HIV testing

ABSTRACT

Introduction:HIV testing is the gateway to both HIV prevention and treatment, and increased HIV testing and linkage to services is vital for an effective HIV response. HIV testing has progressed significantly from a lengthy laboratory process conducted by specialist medical staff to rapid point of care testing performed by trained lay staff. Despite HIV testing services being widely available, testing rates remain suboptimal among young people and men. Alternative delivery strategies that complement conventional testing services are needed to reach these priority groups.

Areas covered:This article reviewed the AtomoRapid HIV self-testing (HIVST) device as an innovative alternative to conventional testing.

Expert commentary:HIVST complements traditional HIV testing options and can be used to overcome major barriers to testing by catering for testing outside of conventional settings and by allowing individuals to test themselves privately, and at their own discretion and frequency. We conclude that the high sensitivity, specificity, acceptability, usability, and fidelity of this device makes it an appropriate option for the enhancement of HIV testing strategies for harder to reach populations, such as young people and men.

KEYWORDS:

• AtomoRapid
• alternative blood-based test
• HIV self-test
• most at risk populations
• young people

Declaration of interests

Linda-Gail Bekker serves on the Advisory board for the AtomoRapid and the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation was given AtomoRapid kits and funding for a counselors salary for the adolescent study (citation 21); AtomoDiagnostics had no role in study design, data collection, and analysis, manuscript preparation, or decision to publish. Dr Bekker has not received any payment from them in any kind to her or the organization. The remaining authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewers disclosure

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial relationships or otherwise to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This article was not funded.