Nation IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : 2 Tests for AIDS Virus Approved

Americans got two new tests for the AIDS virus: one to more easily detect infection and the other to predict how fast patients with the disease will sicken. The Food and Drug Administration called Epitope Inc.’s Orasure the first oral test that appears as reliable as the standard blood test to diagnose HIV, which causes AIDS. Patients who already know they’re infected can find out just how much HIV is in their blood with Hoffman-La Roche’s Amplicor test, also just approved. Results could lead to a change in treatment.