NEWS RELEASE
June 24, 1996

MDCH issues HIV home kit recommendations

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) today issued some early advice for use of a new home blood collection kit that can show whether someone is infected with the virus that causes AIDS.

The test may be available in Michigan as early as 1997. More than 99 percent accurate, the HIV antibody home collection kit was recently approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It will cost approximately $30 to $40.

The kit contains pre-test counseling information, instructions for drawing a few drops of blood, a mailing kit and a unique identifying number, keeping the process strictly anonymous. The user sends the blood sample to a laboratory for state-of-the-art antibody testing. Blood samples reactive in two out of three tests are confirmed with a more specific test, called the Western Blot. After a week, the person calls a toll-free number and enters his or her identification number to receive results.

Positive or inconclusive test results are given over the telephone by professional, certified counselors who speak English and Spanish along with appropriate counseling, referrals and follow-up information. Negative results are provided by an automated message. The "window period" and risk reduction concepts are explained and every caller has the opportunity to speak with a counselor. TTY services are available for persons who are deaf or hearing impaired.

"This test kit represents an important new approach in fighting the AIDS epidemic and will allow more people to learn their HIV status," said Dr. David Johnson, DCH chief medical executive. "But persons who plan to use this new product need to be very serious about wanting to know their HIV status and be prepared for the results," Johnson cautioned.

To help people use the kit effectively, the Department of Community Health is issuing the following recommendations:

Negative test result:

Follow the prevention guidelines provided and ask to speak with a counselor, if desired.

Have AIDS hotline numbers available to ask further questions.

If needed, ask the hotlines for referrals to agencies which can offer additional support and prevention counseling information.

Positive test result:

Have support systems in place before calling for test results, including a resource for crisis intervention.

Ask the counselor as many questions as you feel necessary. Do not hesitate to ask for clarifications or to repeat the questions.

Get resources and referrals for early medical intervention and further supports for psychological, legal and insurance concerns.

Seek early medical intervention services which always should include repeat HIV testing, treatment and psychosocial assessments.

Johnson said that persons at risk of HIV infection will benefit from knowing their HIV status and making important health decisions based on that knowledge. "Proven treatments may delay symptoms and prevent life-threatening infections," he said. For more information, call:

The Michigan AIDS Hotline
1-800-872-AIDS (2437)
1-800-332-0849 (TTY)

The Michigan Teen Hotline
1-800-750-TEEN (8336)

The National AIDS Hotline
1-800-342-AIDS (2437)
1-800-344-7432 (espanol)
1-800-243-7889 (TTY)