US approves quick HIV test

Health authorities in the United States have approved the first rapid saliva test for the HIV virus that causes AIDS.

US approves quick HIV testHealth authorities in the United States have approved the first rapid saliva test for the HIV virus that causes AIDS.The US Health Department says the test gives a result within 20 minutes, with a 99 per cent accuracy.Other approved rapid HIV tests require blood samples.Health officials also say the test will be very useful, as many people are afraid of blood tests or do not return to the doctor for results the following week.The US Centres for Disease Control says about one in four Americans infected with HIV are unaware they have the virus.(Source: Reuters Health, March 2004)