Superdrug has become the first high street retailer to sell a HIV self-testing kit, it has announced.

 

The pharmacy chain expanded its partnership with HIV test provider BioSure to sell the self-test kits in all 200 of its pharmacies across the UK, it said today (8 August).

 

The test, which retails at £39.99, ‘needs only a fraction of a drop of blood’ and ‘easy to read’ results are given in 15 minutes, BioSure said.

 

Superdrug health director Michael Henry said: ‘We are delighted to be the first high street retailer to add BioSURE HIV Self Test to our in store portfolio and to give our customers more accessibility when it comes to self testing – it’s absolutely crucial that people know their status

 

‘We do understand this can be a difficult time, our nursing and pharmacist staff are always on hand to discuss any questions or concerns consumers may have around HIV.’

 

GP and Superdrug health expert Dr Pixie McKenna said: ‘While there is no cure, early diagnosis is key in terms of management. Patients successfully managed on HIV treatments have normal life expectancy, but to know you need treatment you need to know your diagnosis.’