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Montgomery Blair High School's Online Student Newspaper
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April 2, 2004

FDA approves new HIV test

by Seema Kacker, Page Editor
This is not original reporting. All information was obtained from The Washington Post news summary "Rapid Oral Test for HIV Approved" printed March 27.

The first ever created rapid saliva test for HIV was approved on March 26 by the Food and Drug Administration, according to The Washington Post. The device yields results within 20 minutes and is 99 percent accurate.

Unlike currently available tests for HIV, this technology, created by OraSure Technologies Inc., does not require blood samples. “This oral test provides another important option for people who might be afraid of a blood test," Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson told the Post. In addition, health care workers are protected from infections resulting from handling blood.

Standard HIV tests take one to two weeks to give conclusive results, according to the Post. Rapid tests allow patients to begin treatment early, a crucial step in inhibiting HIV from spreading.

The Post article is available here.



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  • Adedeji Ogunfolu (View Email) on April 2, 2004
    This is an awesome step in the fight against AIDS. I hope this test helps a lot of people.
  • carl on April 4, 2004
    In a country such as the U.S., it is sad that AIDS/HIV is such a problem.

    many third world countries contract through simple thing to survive, like shots. but we, mostly from sexual activity. A dominant counrty like this should not have a problem like this.
  • =) on April 14, 2004
    although it isn't a cure, at least there is now a more efficient way to find out if someone is positive. this should hopefully slow down the spread of AIDS.
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