The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first oral test for the AIDS virus.

The oral test is an option for those who don't like blood tests and gives results in 20 minutes.

American Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson said in a news release that the test will have immediate benefits. "Where the rapid test is available, those tested get their results within minutes. This oral test provides another important option for people who might be afraid of a blood test. It will improve care for these people and improve the public health as well."

Health workers simply wipe a treated cotton swab along the gums and stick the swab into a special testing device for on-the-spot results.

It's the second rapid HIV test on the market. The other test requires pricking a person's finger to test a spot of blood.

Health Canada has not yet approved the oral test.