One night can change your HIV or STD status.
WHERE CAN I GET TESTED?
If you have a doctor you already trust, they can test you. If you don’t, enter your address below to find a testing location near you or get a free home kit.
ORDER A FREE KIT TO TEST AT HOME
CHECK FOR HIV AND STIs IN THE PRIVACY OF YOUR OWN HOME.
Discreet mailing
HIV results within 20 minutes
House calls available
SHOULD YOU GET TESTED?
ABSOLUTELY.
TEST RIGHT AWAY IF:
You have never been tested.
You have sex with someone new.
You have sex without a condom.
You have sex and the condom breaks.
You have sex with someone who has tested positive for HIV or STIs.
You are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GET TESTED?
To find out, select how many sexual partners you had this year.
YOU SHOULD GET TESTED EVERY 6 MONTHS FOR HIV & STIs.
YOU SHOULD GET TESTED EVERY 3-6 MONTHS FOR HIV & STIs.
YOU SHOULD GET TESTED EVERY 3 MONTHS FOR HIV & STIs.
IS HIV TESTING CONFIDENTIAL?
YES!
HIV testing and your status is confidential.
The results of your HIV test cannot be released without your permission to anyone — that includes your employer, family, friends, or partners.
WHAT IF I TEST POSITIVE?
Finding out you are HIV+ can be scary, but with treatment it is easily manageable. You can still live a long and healthy life. In fact, treatment is so effective it can make you undetectable, which means it is almost impossible to pass it to your partners.
WHAT IF I TEST NEGATIVE?
Continue to use condoms and consider taking PrEP — a once a day daily pill that can keep you HIV negative. You should also get tested between 2-4 times a year to be sure you are negative.
THINK YOU’VE BEEN EXPOSED?
If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, PEP is an emergency prevention option that needs to be started no later than 72 hours after an HIV exposure.
The sooner you begin treatment, the better.
You can get PEP at nearest Emergency Department or Health Center #1 (1930 S. Broad Street).
YOU’VE GOT QUESTIONS, WE’VE GOT ANSWERS
Do I get HIV tested every time the doctor takes my blood?
Not always. Make sure you ask for the test. If you are getting blood work done, it’s easy to get an HIV test too.
If I’m HIV positive, how long will I live?
HIV treatment is better than ever before. People living with HIV who take their HIV medicines everyday as prescribed, can expect to live a normal, long life.
How long after sex would my test become positive?
Most HIV tests now may be positive within 30 to 45 days from an exposure but it could be sooner. If you’ve had a recent exposure in the last 3 days, talk to your doctor about Post-exposure Prophylaxis, also called PEP right away.
What does undetectable mean?
Undetectable means that the amount of virus in your blood is low. So low, in fact, that persons who get and keep an undetectable viral load do not transmit HIV to their sexual partners. Some people call this U=U or undetectable is untransmittable.
What are the different ways to get tested for HIV?
HIV tests can be done by several ways including sticking your finger for a few drops of blood or using a needle to collect a small sample of blood from your veins. Both of these types of tests are done by health care professionals. You can also use an oral swab at home that you would collect yourself.
If I have HIV and I’m undetectable, will I still test positive for HIV?
Yes. Being undetectable means that you have a low amount of virus in your blood. However, most HIV tests look for antibodies to HIV which are present in your blood even if your virus in undetectable.
What if I’m under 18 years of age and want to get tested for HIV?
You can and you should get tested for HIV. In Pennsylvania, you can get confidential HIV testing starting at the age of 13 without having to tell your parent or guardian.
Will I have to take handfuls of HIV medicine everyday to stay healthy?
No. The great news is that for most people, one pill a day will keep you healthy.
Will the HIV medicines have bad side effects?
No. The newest HIV medicines have few side effects and are well tolerated by the vast majority of people. If you do have side effects, talk to your doctor about your treatment options. You have choices.
If I am not feeling sick, do I have to take HIV medicines?
Yes. Doctors and treatment experts recommend that all persons living with HIV take medicines everyday to stay healthy. Talk to you doctor about your treatment options.
Do I need insurance to get HIV care and HIV medicines?
No. All persons in Philadelphia living with HIV can access care and medicines regardless of insurance status, ability to pay or immigration or legal status. If you aren’t sure where you can get care, call the health information helpline at 215-985-2437.
