In 2023, 1442 people living with HIV were identified in Luxembourg. It is estimated that only 85% of cases have been diagnosed, bringing the total number of people living with HIV to 1700.
HIV DIAGNOSIS: LABORATORY OR SELF-TESTS?
What is HIV?
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a virus transmitted sexually and through blood, responsible for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It causes a chronic infection that cannot be cured in the strict sense, although most patients who take their medication correctly have an almost normal life expectancy.
Due to the absence of symptoms at the beginning of the disease, it is estimated that nearly 15% of patients are unaware of their HIV status in Luxembourg and can therefore transmit the virus without knowing it to their close contacts. That is why early diagnosis after a risk situation is crucial.
How is it diagnosed?
Since its discovery in 1983, the means of diagnosing HIV have constantly evolved, allowing today, with a simple blood test performed in a medical laboratory, an extremely reliable diagnosis of this infection.
HIV SELF-TESTS: INFORMATION
The sale of diagnostic self-tests in pharmacies and certain supermarkets raises many questions in the scientific and medical communities as well as among the general public. Can these self-tests be trusted? What are their limitations? Are they cheaper than laboratory tests?
WHAT IS AN HIV SELF-TEST?
These are blood tests performed from a drop of blood taken from the fingertip. The result must be interpreted alone, without the support of a healthcare professional to advise on the next steps according to the result. Currently, the cost of a test varies between 20 and 40 euros.
WHAT ARE THEIR LIMITATIONS?
Window period
Infections contracted less than 12 weeks ago cannot be detected by these devices.
Confirmation required
Any positive result must be confirmed by a laboratory test for medical care.
Risk
HIV is not the only sexually transmitted infection. Using these tests outside a medical consultation carries the risk of missing another potentially serious diagnosis (hepatitis, syphilis, etc.).
Performance evidence
The performance of self-tests has only been minimally studied independently through robust scientific research.
Fraud
Special caution is needed when choosing devices, as the CE marking is not proof of quality. Some unreliable devices attempt to enter the European market under the cover of a CE marking.
IN SUMMARY
| Medical laboratory | HIV self-test | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Covered by prescription | 19 € without prescription* | 20 to 40 € |
| CE marking | |||
| ISO 15189 quality standard | |||
| Serological window** | 4 weeks | 12 weeks | |
| Same-day result | |||
| Result confirmation | |||
| Medical interpretation of the result | |||
| Comprehensive medical support | |||
| Confidentiality guaranteed by law | |||
| Robust scientific evidence | |||
** Minimum delay to be observed after risk exposure to obtain a reliable result
THE BENEFITS OF MEDICAL SUPPORT
A false negative result obtained by self-test in a recently infected HIV-positive patient can have catastrophic consequences for public health. Wrongly believing they are not infected, the patient may transmit the infection to future partners.
Testing in a laboratory is the most reliable detection method, but it also allows for proper support and avoids being left alone when receiving a positive diagnosis.
HIV
PREVENTION & INFORMATION
IF THE RISK IS LESS THAN 72 HOURS OLD
If the risk is less than 72 hours old: it is possible to start an emergency post-exposure preventive treatment, called PEP, which greatly reduces the risk of HIV infection. Make an appointment without delay at the National Infectious Diseases Service of the CHL
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WHERE TO GET TESTED?
With more than 120 centres and the PICKEN DOHEEM / Labomobile mobile service, any patient can have a laboratory screening test at the address of their choice, at a lower cost and with greater reliability than current self-tests.
Medical biologists are committed every day to the quality of biological test results expected by public authorities, doctors and patients, through OLAS accreditation according to ISO 15189. Their expertise guarantees reliable biological results with interpretation adapted to each medical situation.
For any questions, please contact your doctor or laboratory.
BIONEXT
Screening at the address of your choice or in a sampling centre
2-4 rue du Château d’Eau
L-3364 Leudelange
T. +352 27 321
Centre Hospitalier (CHL) 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
Infectious Diseases Department (2nd floor)
4, rue Barblé
L-1210 Luxembourg
Planning familial
2-4, rue Ernie Reitz, Esch/Alzette T. 54 51 51
18, avenue J.F. Kennedy, Ettelbruck T. 81 87 87
6-10, rue de la Fonderie, Luxembourg T. 48 59 76
www.planningfamilial.lu