OraQuick In-Home Rapid HIV Test Available Online

The OraQuick Rapid HIV test (OraQuick), developed by OraSure Technologies, has recently become available for purchase online at a cost of $39.99. The test can detect signs of the HIV virus in saliva. Also, OraQuick will soon be found on drugstore. In July 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved OraQuick for over-the-counter sales. The test was approved for use in hospitals and clinics several years ago, but Federal regulators wanted to be sure that consumers would use it properly before approving over-the-counter sales, which required OraSure to change the packaging and instructions and create a 24-hour customer-service call center. Federal regulators warned that a positive result with OraQuick does not mean that an individual is definitely infected with HIV. Those who have positive test results are advised to seek additional testing in a medical setting. According to Douglas Michels, chief executive officer of OraSure, the company plans a television, print, radio, and social media marketing campaign to promote the test.

Back to other news for September 2012