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“The Ora Quick test reduces anxiety and is very effective” From a story in The Salt Lake Tribune June 28, 2006 With a simple swab from between his cheek and gum, David Sundwall found out in 20 minutes on Tuesday that he is HIV-negative. On National HIV Testing Day, the executive director of the Utah Department of Health wanted to show how much more convenient the rapid test for the virus that causes AIDS has become. Throughout the state and country, health providers are offering free tests all this week. This year also marks the 25th anniversary that AIDS was recognized and scientists began improvements in detecting the disease. Work on a vaccine also is currently under way, though it may be years away. The conventional HIV blood tests took two weeks for results. The new rapid test is less invasive, requires no blood withdrawal and takes only 20 minutes to reveal the outcome. Lynn Meinor, program manager of the health department's HIV Prevention Program, said the majority of at-risk Utahns have not received an HIV test, and HIV rates have increased every year since 2002. "The Ora Quick test reduces anxiety and is very effective," Meinor said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 180,000 to 280,000 people in the country are HIV-positive but are unaware of their status. A total of 2,221 AIDS cases have been reported in Utah through December 2005.  See also:
HIV/AIDS Prevention & Education
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www.affirmation.org