The Government is warning us that illegal HIV testing kits imported from China are being purchased in Britain and are potentially giving patients the wrong diagnosis. The MHRA (Medicines Products Regulatory Agency) is making plans to close down 6 websites based in the UK that do not comply with European legislation and who operate without accredited laboratories.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has written to patients who have availed of such services and warned them of their inauthenticity. Thankfully the organisation regularly investigates websites like these which pose as legitimate health care operations.
It is illegal to sell kits that test for HIV in the UK. Home sampling kits for HIV are legal but we recommend that patients get tested for HIV in a face to face environment. In terms of other STIs, there are legitimate sites online where you can purchase testing kits but you should research and make sure the clinic is genuine. For HIV testing, we recommend Freedom Health in Harley Street. If you are not based in London then we recommend that you contact the Terrence Higgins Trust for further information about services in your area.