Nov 14, 2005

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A Canadian firm has developed a new HIV test that could change a person's life in just 60 seconds. And the method is also threatening to change pro-sports. Using just a drop of blood, the Insti Kit can detect for the presence of the HIV virus that causes AIDS in just one minute, and has a 99.6 per cent accuracy rate.

Health Canada gave it market approval this week, and it will soon be used in point-of-care settings, such as a doctor's office, clinic or hospital.

The company is also offering free kits to athletes in this country, according to Robert Mackie, chief executive officer of Biolytical Laboratories of Richmond, B.C.

"Why wouldn't we offer free testing to all the Canadian athletes?" said Mackie, a self-proclaimed sports enthusiast.

The tests are becoming available at a time when the Canadian Football League is dealing with HIV in its lineup.

Players and fans were shocked when police charged Saskatchewan Roughrider Trevis Smith with aggravated sexual assault.

Smith was charged under a section of the Criminal Code section that deals with those who endanger another person's life.

Roughrider management knew Smith had the virus. However, teammates didn't, and it has sparked controversy over whether players should be tested.

"Anyone in a contact sport where there's the possibility of blood-to-blood transfer, HIV testing and, more importantly HIV testing status, should be made available," said Matthew Clayton, chief operating officer at Biolytical.

Mandatory testing is illegal, and some suggest unethical. Still, the notion of voluntary tests intrigues some players.

"Definitely it could be of some value. But again, you still have to take it in terms of the privacy of the player," said Tim Fleiszer of the Edmonton Eskimos.

The CFL Players Association plans to talk about the test at the end of the season. The CFL isn't commenting. But players in other leagues are.

"I know it's a touchy subject, but in a way I think you deserve to know when you're that close to someone," says Vancouver Canuck Markus Naslund.

Naslund is an investor in Biolytical.

"I think it gives guys piece of mind if they know what's going on," he said.

Still, studies have shown that passing HIV in a game situation is extremely low.

Biolytical will begin seeking FDA approval to sell the product in the United States in late 2006. It is also investigating regulatory approval in China, India, Eastern Europe and sub-Saharan Africa.

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