The first at-home, over-the-counter antibody test for syphilis received marketing authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday.

This means biotechnology company NOWDiagnostics, Inc., which manufactures the test, now has a license to sell it.

Traditionally, syphilis is detected by a health care provider using a blood test or by testing fluid from a syphilis sore.

However, the new test, called First To Know, uses a drop of blood to offer an early indication that a person may have syphilis, with results available in about 15 minutes. The results must be confirmed by a doctor.

The FDA said the test offers a new option for people who might be unable or reluctant to visit a doctor to get tested.