Rapid HIV Testing
With an estimated one out of four HIV-positive Americans unaware of their infection, increased opportunities for testing are critical.  Rapid HIV antibody tests provide new opportunities to improving access to testing in both clinical and non-clinical settings and increasing the number of people who learn their results.

Rapid Test Information:  http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/testing/rapid/index.htm 

Testing
HIV testing allows individuals to determine if they are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.  For those whose HIV test is positive, this awareness can motivate them to take steps to protect their health and that of their partners.  For those whose HIV test is negative, the testing process is an opportunity to get the information they need to stay uninfected.

CDC estimates that more than one million people in the U.S. are now living with HIV, yet one-fourth don't know they have it.  These facts point to the importance of HIV testing as a key component in controlling the spread of HIV infection.

CDC has developed guidelines and recommendations, reports, fact sheets, slide sets, and many other tools to assist health professionals with understanding and implementing HIV testing strategies.