HHS expands use of rapid HIV test

The Department of Health and Human Services on Friday approved the use of OraSure Technologies' rapid HIV test in about 180,000 nonlaboratory sites, including doctors' offices, clinics, and HIV outreach organizations. The OraQuick Rapid HIV-1/2 test produces results in about 20 minutes from either blood from a finger stick or from oral fluids collected on a special swab. The test is expected to be widely available by mid August, according to OraSure officials. In related news, HHS secretary Tommy Thompson on Friday announced that the Administration is releasing $4.8 million in funding to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to support expanded HIV antibody testing among injection-drug users and their sex partners.