Over-the-Counter HIV Approved

The U.S. Federal Drug and Administration (FDA) approved an over-the-counter HIV home test, which allows people to self-test if they have the AIDS causing virus.

Director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Dr. Karen Midthun told Fox News, "The availability of a home-use HIV test kit provides another option for individuals to get tested so that they can seek medical care, if appropriate."

FDA approved of the OraQuick test, which is scheduled to hit drug stores and retailers such as Walgreens, CVS and others in October. OraQuick , which is made by Orasure, is a quick test through a mouth swab that detects the presence of HIV antibodies within 20-40 minutes. The official price is not yet announced, but experts say that it will cost around $60. The test will also provide a toll-free call service that will provide counseling and medical advice to customers.

The test is not 100 percent accurate, according to the Orasure C.E.O. Doug Michels says that the test has a 92 percent accuracy result. Michels says that the test will be marketed especially to a targeted audience of those most susceptible to HIV, this includes homosexuals, African Americans and Hispanics.

The OraQuick test is the first FDA approved HIV home test that does not require any blood sampling. FDA officials said that the test will get people who would not ordinarily get tested to check whether they are infected with the deadly antibodies. 

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