Supporters of a controversial at-home HIV test told an FDA panel this week that the benefits of the new technology would probably outweigh the risk that users might overreact to a positive result. If the FDA approves the OraQuick test, the product would become the first over the counter test on the market that produces results quickly--generally within 20 minutes. OraSure Technologies argues that faster results would mean earlier treatment for people with HIV and might substantially cut down on the number of people who do not know their HIV status. The CDC warns that up to one-quarter of HIV-positive people are unaware they have the disease. The company has yet to file for regulatory approval.
- see this article from The Philadelphia Inquirer