The Mecklenburg County Health Department now offers a rapid test for HIV, called OraQuick.  OraQuick detects antibodies to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Type 1 using whole blood from fingerstick specimens.  People who are tested using the OraQuick rapid test are given preliminary HIV test results during the initial visit to the Health Department.  Test results are sent to the state for confirmation and the final results are made available in 10-14 days.  Since utilizing the OraQuick test, the Health Department has tested over 1768 people including those tested during community outreach efforts.  For more information on the OraQuick test go to www.orasure.com or call 704.336.3355 or 704.432.1506.