HIV Alert: Here is how to identify fake HIV test kits on the market

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a public health alert after discovering falsified diagnostic kits circulating on the Ghanaian market, warning that these counterfeit kits could lead to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.

In a post shared on its X page on April 6, 2026, it said the, "fake kits have been identified as VISITECT CD4 Advanced Disease test kits bearing lot number 0001586, falsely listing Omega Diagnostics Limited as the manufacturer".

FDA alerts public about fake HIV test kits on the market

Here is how to spot the falsified test kits

To help healthcare providers and the public protect themselves, the FDA highlighted 5 ways to identify the falsified test kits.

Check the manufacturer

According to the FDA, the fake kits list Omega Diagnostics Limited, while genuine kits come from AccuBio Limited.

Verify manufacturing and expiry dates

It noted that the counterfeit product names a different manufacturer altogether—a discrepancy that should trigger immediate suspicion.

Look for product specification differences

It urged the public to compare labels, instructions, and packaging for discrepancies.

Inspect lot numbers

While every HIV test kit has a unique lot number that identifies its manufacturing batch, the FDA says the counterfeit ones carry 0001586, which does not match the official records for VISITECT CD4 Advanced Disease kits.

However, the genuine kits from AccuBio Limited carry lot number 0002172, and this number should always be checked against official documentation.

Report suspicious kits

It urged the public to report any suspicious kit to its office or the nearest health facility.

The FDA has directed all health facilities, laboratories, and testing centres to check their stocks of VISITECT HIV Advanced Disease test kits.

Any kits bearing lot number 0001586 must be ceased from use without delay.

See the post below:

#FDAGhana2026 #FDACommunications#FDAGhanaSafetyAlert pic.twitter.com/Wx5NCWq9PT

— FDAGhana (@fdaghana) April 2, 2026

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