FDA has approved Medford, N.Y.-based Chembio Diagnostics' rapid HIV tests SURE CHECK HIV 1/2 and HIV 1/2 STAT-PAK for sale to clinical laboratories and hospitals nationwide, the company said Tuesday, Long Island Newsday reports (Bernstein, Long Island Newsday, 5/31). The products detect HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies and give results in about 15 minutes (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 4/20). Lawrence Siebert, president and CEO of Chembio, said that the "importance [of rapid HIV tests] has increased in view of the recommendations that are reportedly forthcoming from [CDC] that HIV tests become a part of routine medical care for most" U.S. residents, adding, "Rapid HIV tests are essential tools for HIV prevention and treatment campaigns in the [U.S.] and globally" (Chembio release, 5/30).