William O. Fabbri

The Food and Drug Administration approved the sale and use of home test kits for HIV in July 1996. In the following viewpoint, which was written before the kits were approved, William O. Fabbri argues that permitting the sale and use of kits to test HIV status at home would prompt more people to find out their HIV status. Fabbri asserts that many people who are unwilling or unable to go to an HIV testing clinic would welcome the option of using an anonymous at-home test. Knowing one’s HIV status is vitally important, he maintains, in order to reduce the risk of exposing others to HIV. Furthermore, Fabbri contends, the earlier testing for HIV is done, the sooner treatments for HIV can begin, thus lengthening the patient&rsquo...