Changes in the Environment

1. What changes in the environment made it possible to consider the launch of an OTC Aids Test? Be specific.

A set of changes in the environment made it possible to consider the launch of an OTC Aids Test at that moment. These changes are related to the political, technological and cultural environment.

First of all, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were analyzing the viability of regulation of this kind of test. The regulation was essential before thinking about the sale of the product. This decision probably was related to the growth of HIV cases reported in the United States (40,000 new cases each year between 2000 and 2005). OTC Aids Test was a possible way to reduce the HIV infection rate, since people would have a faster and more accessible test. Furthermore, it would be available to individuals who did not have private health insurance or lived in isolated areas.

Secondly, the advancements made in treatments caused a changed in public perception of the disease. The popularization of technologies like the Internet provided people more access to information and education. AIDS was no longer considered a death sentence and it was seen as a treatable illness. Theses technologies also allowed that pre-test and post-test counseling would be done using telephone or computer.

Thirdly, scientific research had proved that the rapid HIV testing was accurate and easy to use and to understand. This kind of test was being used in laboratories and hospital. The results were visual and immediate. In addition, it did not any precision pipetting, sample manipulation or specialized equipment.

Finally, the changes in people behavior and values also influenced the decision to consider the launch of an OTC Aids Test. People habits had completely changed with the new technologies available. People wanted convenience. They did not want to spend their time going to doctor. They did want wait. They want immediate results. They wanted to have control of their life and to maintain the idea of privacy.

All these changes create an environment in which the launch of an OTC Aids Test could be considerable.

...