Bronx residents may soon be able to test themselves for HIV from the privacy and comfort of their own home.

A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel is recommending an over-the-counter HIV test, calling it both safe and effective. The panel says benefits of the OraQuick in-home test far outweigh any potential risks.

If the panel's recommendation is approved, the test will become the first of its kind for HIV or any other infectious disease.