Navy buys 10,000 rapid HIV-test kits

Diagnostic-test maker OraSure Technologies announced this week that the U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command bought 10,000 units of its newly launched rapid HIV-1 antibody tests to screen personnel prior to receiving smallpox vaccinations. People infected with HIV or who live with HIV-positive people are being told to forgo smallpox vaccinations because the live-virus vaccine can pose a threat to those with compromised immune systems. The OraQuick HIV antibody tests can provide results within about 20 minutes. The mariners of the Military Sealift Command are civilians who have been directed to receive smallpox immunizations by the U.S. Department of Defense.