Canada approves the first HIV self-test device
Health Canada granted a license to Canada’s first HIV self-test device on the 2nd local time.
This detection device is a set of several reagents, using a finger blood test method, and the result can be known in only 1 minute.
The device is manufactured by “BioLytical Laboratories” (bioLytical Laboratories), located in Richmond, in the Vancouver metropolitan area of British Columbia. It was submitted to the Ministry of Health for approval in August 2019.
Experts say that this self-test device is very useful for people who are not sure whether they are infected with HIV and are inconvenient to go to the hospital for testing.
For example, the current Coronavirus Pandemic has caused many people to be reluctant to go to the hospital for such testing. However, early detection of HIV infection will help curb the spread of AIDS.
Dr. Sean Rourke from The Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto said he is working with community organizations across the country to prepare for next year A telemedicine program was launched in January and 60,000 self-test devices were distributed to community organizations.
