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CBC News

Canada gets first oral HIV test using simple gum swab

CBC News · 2 months ago
CBC News
CBC News
2 months ago

Canada just got a new tool in the fight against HIV-AIDS in the form of an over-the-counter HIV test that requires no blood sample, just a swab of saliva from the gums.

Breakdown
  • Health Canada approves OraQuick oral HIV self-test after five years of trials 13s
  • Test uses a gum swab and gives results in about 20 minutes 32s
  • Over 65,000 Canadians live with HIV; 7,000 may not know their status 51s
  • High-risk groups include racialized communities and people who inject drugs 1m 27s
  • Advocates seek government funding to distribute $15–$20 test kits 1m 49s
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