US regulators have approved the first over-the-counter HIV test.

It means that for the first time Americans will be able to test themselves for the virus that causes AIDS in their own homes.

The Food and Drug Administration says the OraQuick test is safe but its manufacturer explains there are limitations.

OraSafe says it will not detect HIV within the first three months of infection.

The test provides the results in twenty minutes by analysing an oral fluid sample.

Clinical trials gave it a 92 percent accuracy rating.

OraQuick is expected to go on sale in the US in October.