The Potential for HIV Self-testing in Iran.

Abstract

an HIV rapid diagnostic test and interprets the test result.[9‐11] HIVST is an emerging approach that is both well‐accepted and potentially cost‐effective. It has a potential to facilitate further uptake of HIV testing particularly in high risk population.[9] Other potential benefits of HIVST are less resource intensive with respect to the healthcare system, it empowers users, thus helping to normalize testing, reduce stigmatization, increases patients autonomy and mutual partner testing.[6] HIVST could provide convenient and anonymous HIV testing to anyone who wants to do testing. In particular, depending on cost and availability, self‐tests can benefit people who experience significant barriers to health care and people living in rural and remote communities where health care isn’t always anonymous or confidential.