An HIV self-testing kit is on sale for the first time in the UK . The 99.7 per cent accurate BioSure HIV Self Test enables people to test themselves when and where they like . An estimated 26,000 people in the UK have HIV but are unaware of it and may be transmitting the disease to others . The 99.7 per cent accurate BioSure HIV Self Test enables people to test themselves when and where they like . The testing kit , on sale online , uses a small amount of blood from a finger-prick sample to detect the presence of HIV antibodies , giving a result in just 15 minutes . Treatments available mean HIV is now a manageable disease – but late diagnosis can have a devastating impact on health and life expectancy . The National AIDS Trust warns that 40 per cent of those living with HIV remain undiagnosed for at least four years , with those diagnosed late 11 times more likely to die in the first year after diagnosis . The testing kit , on sale online , uses a small amount of blood from a finger-prick sample to detect the presence of HIV antibodies , giving a result in just 15 minutes . BioSure founder Brigette Bard said it is a significant step towards normalising HIV testing , adding : 'Knowing your HIV status is critical and the launch of this product will empower people to discreetly test themselves when it is convenient to them and in a place where they feel comfortable . ' Positive test results need to be confirmed by a healthcare professional and those in high-risk groups are recommended to be tested every three months . The only alternative currently available is 'home sampling ' , which involves collecting a blood sample 160 times larger than that for the self-test and posting it to a laboratory , with results given five days later . BioSure founder Brigette Bard said it is a significant step towards normalising HIV testing .
The 99.7 per cent accurate BioSure HIV Self Test enables people to test themselves when and where they like . 160 people in the UK have HIV but are unaware of it . Treatments available mean HIV is now a manageable disease .