THERE has been a swift recall of hundreds of HIV test kits countrywide following the discovery that they are defective.
It is well known that rapid HIV testing can produce either false positive or false negative results.
There is also the problem of whole batches being faulty. It is for this very reason that, in the case of a positive finding, further testing is done.
Particularly worrying though are the cases of false negative results, where people have gone home from a hospital or clinic in the belief that they do not have HIV.
It is now critical that the KZN Health Department ensures that all people who were tested are traced and retested with more formal tests, particularly those who were found to be negative.
It is essential that the consequences of this problem are dealt with and that individuals know their correct status.
DR IMRAN KEEKA
