Within two to five minutes, students can be tested and know their HIV status on Friday, during National HIV Testing Day.

AIDS Athens, formed and created in 1987, offers free HIV testing, medical assistance, support groups and other services for those living with HIV/AIDS.

They use the OraSure HIV-1 test with 99 percent accuracy to painlessly check for HIV-1 antibodies in oral tissue.

Executive Director Olivia Long, who has been with AIDS Athens since January 2007, said many people have misconceptions about HIV and AIDS.

Long explained that symptoms don’t appear until later stages of the disease, and they are often similar to symptoms of other diseases.

The organization also receives inquiries about the risks of oral sex. Long said that although oral sex is low-risk, it can still pass along the virus.

Anyone with a history of unprotected sexual acts or unsafe use of drugs should be tested, Long said.

AIDS Athens completed close to 400 tests for HIV in 2007, Long said.

The staff participates in events such as the AIDS Athens Walk/Run 2008, held in March to raise funds for the organization.

The University Health Center will also have a limited number of free HIV tests today by appointment.