Illinoisans can now test themselves to see if they're HIV positive.  The OraQuick test hit shelves earlier this week.  Jamie Gates, with the Illinois Department of Public Health, says it's great that people can test themselves, but testing with a certified agency offers valuable counseling services.

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Gates says there's still a lot of fear associated with being HIV-positive.

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Joe Trotter, with the Champaign County Health Department, says people must understand they can't get a true diagnosis until at least three months after possible contact.

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About 32-thousand people in Illinois are HIV positive.  The OraQuick test is not 100-percent accurate, so it shouldn't be the final authority on an actual diagnosis.  During the testing trials, one in twelve actual HIV positive people tested negative and about one in five thousand were falsely diagnosed as positive.  Still, experts say it will help people discover their status.  The test can be purchased at CVS Stores, Walgreens, and some Rite Aid Stores.  It costs about 40-bucks.