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The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a public health alert after discovering counterfeit HIV test kits circulating in the Ghanaian market, posing serious risks of inaccurate test results and delayed treatment.
In an official statement, the FDA identified the affected product as the VISITECT CD4 Advanced Disease test kit, specifically those with lot number 0001586. These counterfeit kits do not meet regulatory standards and are falsely labeled as being manufactured by Omega Diagnostics Limited. In reality, the genuine VISITECT CD4 test kits are produced by AccuBio Limited and have a different lot number, 0002172, along with correct product details.
The FDA also highlighted discrepancies in the manufacturing and expiry dates printed on the fake kits. The original kits were produced in July 2025 and are set to expire in November 2026, while the counterfeit kits list August 2024 as the manufacturing date and January 2027 as the expiry date.
Such inconsistencies in manufacturer information and dates should serve as warning signs for healthcare providers, the FDA advised. The presence of counterfeit HIV test kits poses a significant threat to public health, as accurate testing is crucial for proper HIV care. Incorrect results could either delay treatment for those living with HIV or cause unnecessary anxiety for those receiving false-positive outcomes.
The FDA has instructed all hospitals, laboratories, and testing centers to check their stocks of VISITECT CD4 test kits. Any kits with lot number 0001586 must be immediately removed from use and returned to the nearest FDA office for proper disposal.
The Authority urged healthcare professionals and the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected counterfeit medical products via its official channels. Investigations are already underway to trace the source of these fake kits and hold those responsible accountable. The FDA emphasized the importance of verifying medical products before use to prevent harm to public health.
Story by Efua Nessa
Source:Loco tv