Thai Red Cross launches self-test kits to combat HIV stigma

Thai Red Cross is now selling self-test kits. The kits are being sold through its Aids Research Centre’s "Anonymous Clinic". There are two kinds of kits being sold. One test requires blood from a finger prick or orally through saliva.The finger-prick test provides a result within 30 minutes and can detect the virus within three weeks of transmission. It costs 400 baht. The kits are being sold at “Anonymous Clinic” since February 1, and would be cheaper than many other places.

The Thai Red Cross is now selling HIV self-test kits. The kits are being sold through its Aids Research Centre’s "Anonymous Clinic". There are two kinds of kits being sold. One test requires blood from a finger prick or orally through saliva.The finger-prick test provides a result within 30 minutes and can detect the virus within three weeks of transmission. It costs 400 baht. The kits are being sold since February 1, and would be cheaper than many other places.

The oral-test kit checks the presence of the virus in saliva and can provide a result within 20 minutes. The kit, which costs 250 baht, can detect the virus within three months of transmission.

People who believe they may have contracted HIV should either test themselves using a self-test kit or undergo a conventional HIV test in the hospital, said Opass Putacharoen, acting deputy director at Thai Red Cross Society’s Aids Research Centre. Those using the self-test kit may have to repeat the test for accuracy, he said. If the result is positive, the test taker should head to a hospital for confirmation and treatment. Kits are available at most pharmacies.

Thanks to ground-breaking advances in medical technology, HIV/Aids is no longer a death sentence and can be treated, he said. Since Thai people are shy to talk about sex in general in public spaces, they can avail of the home self-test facility, he added.