Comparing the Uptake of HIV Self-Testing to HIV Serology: Findings from GetaKit—A Prospective Open Cohort Study in Ontario, Canada

Background HIV self-tests (HIVSTs) have been promoted as one way to increase testing. Methods We extracted data from the GetaKit study for October 11, 2023 to June 30, 2025, focusing on participants to whom we co-offered an HIVST and serology. Results We co-offered HIVST and serology to 3611 persons; 71.9% agreed to go to a lab and 19.4% opted for only the HIVST. Participants who were Black, Indigenous, or Persons of Color were less willing to attend a lab; participants who were men who have sex with men or reported injection drug use or sex work were more willing to attend a lab. First-time testers opted for the HIVST at a higher rate. HIVST did not yield new diagnoses. Conclusions HIVSTs were an entry point to testing for some but were not the preferred modality for most. Promoting HIVSTs too broadly would not align with patient preference.