The Delaware Attorney General’s Office filed a motion in Delaware Superior Court to have former Lewes pediatrician Dr. Earl Bradley tested for the HIV virus.

Bradley is facing over 30 charges of rape and exploitation of young children.

Paula Ryan, chief prosecutor for Sussex County, said the motion was granted without opposition. The request to test is allowed under state law.

“It’s routine in cases involving sexual abuse allegations to have that testing conducted. It’s just one of the steps we take as part of the process to make sure we have all the information we need,” Ryan said.

She said Bradley’s test would be handled through the Department of Corrections, with correctional medical personnel obtaining his sample.

Today’s motion marked Bradley’s first appearance at the Superior Court in Georgetown but figures to not be the last. Bradley is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in the Court of Common Pleas in Georgetown, Thursday, Jan. 14. Department of Justice officials have stated after the preliminary hearing the next step is going to a grand jury for indictment.