The Role of Home Testing in HIV Cases

HIV infection rates return to pre-pandemic norms: RKI suggests home-testing to reduce undetected cases.

The Robert Koch Institute reports that new HIV infections in Germany in 2023 have returned to the pre-pandemic level of 2019, with an estimated 2,200 cases. Despite the rise, the RKI encouragingly suggests that more self-tests could further reduce undiagnosed cases. To us, this highlights the importance of efficient screening programs.

On one hand, self-sampling kits offer patients regular self-check-ups in the privacy and comfort of their homes. Circumventing the stigma associated with STD testing and fitting seamlessly into different lifestyles, this method makes health checks an accessible part of daily routines.

However, on the other hand, we agree with the RKI that more measures are needed to improve testing availability for early therapy initiation. Although home testing for STIs is already advanced, we believe enhancing the reliability of home tests, particularly for negative results, is also important. 

Taken together, improving home STI testing and establishing it as a key prevention tool holds great potential but will require collaboration among test developers, clinicians, and policymakers.