HIV tests should (should not) be available in drug stores like pregnancy tests.

There are many people who believe HIV tests should be readily available in drug stores like pregnancy tests. The biggest reason as to why is this will motivate people to hopefully go see a doctor sooner than later. Human immunodeficiency virus targets the body's cells that help fight infection, making someone exposed to deadly infections or diseases. Opening the door for many people in need to figure out their HIV status and receive the treatment needed is extremely important since if left untreated it can lead to the disease known as AIDS. There are many people out there who are completely unaware of whether or not they are HIV positive. Allowing drug stores or retailers to carry tests will help those in need be able to access help much easier than ignoring it. Treatment can be life-saving and also help prevent transmission to other people. Some people however may feel awkward when buying the test for the first time in a store. Just like pregnancy tests for some it may feel as if the people around you are judging you which may turn off those in need. At the end of the day your health is at risk and hopefully after having access to the store-bought test will convince you to seek medical treatment.

On the other hand, there are several reasons why HIV tests should not be in drug stores like pregnancy tests. The biggest argument is, like pregnancy tests, an in-store HIV test is just a screening. This means the actual results will need to be confirmed by a doctor or health facility. For example, if you test positive for a store-bought screening your doctor will retest you anyways. The only way to know is if you receive a blood test since no doctor is going to trust a home test. Many times these tests can be expired, contaminated, or end up reading negative. It takes up to 12 weeks to actually form detectable antibodies which is what the test will look for. This means it is highly possible to receive a negative test resulting in you thinking everything is fine. You will have to either wait or repeatedly test yourself regularly to ensure you are positive or not.