The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first over-the-counter HIV test in the nation. 

OraQuick is an oral swab that gives results in about 20 minutes. It was recommended for approval by an independent panel in May and will be available at major retailers within a few months. From HIV Plus Magazine:

“This approval marks a major milestone in HIV testing,” executives at OraSure, the developers of the test, said in a statement Tuesday. “The OraQuick® In-Home HIV Test will fill an unmet need by providing a testing option for individuals at risk for HIV who may otherwise not test in a professional setting. For the first time ever, individuals will have access to an in-home oral test that will empower them to learn their HIV status and receive the care and support that they need.”

This is huge.