Testing Questions

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• Should I get tested?

  Everyone has an HIV status, but not everyone knows what it is. There are many options available for those living with HIV and the sooner you know your status, the more options you'll have open to you. If you or your partner have been at risk, we encourage you to consider testing.

• How soon can I get tested?

  You can get an accurate test reading as soon as four weeks after exposure, but it may take as long as three months after each risk exposure to know for sure if you do or don’t have HIV. For some people, regular testing is part of their routine sexual health care.

• What is the difference between an anonymous and confidential HIV test?

  Anonymous HIV testing is provided free of charge by the NYS Department of Health, NYC Department of Health, and by some county health departments. At anonymous test sites, it is not necessary to use a name or other identifying information. People are given a code number that they use to get the test results when they return. Anonymous testing is NOT recorded in a person's medical record and may NOT be used for attaining HIV-related treatment and services. People who test positive at one of the NYS's anonymous test sites can change their test results to a confidential one so that they can access HIV-related medical care and support services without waiting for a second test.

  Confidential HIV testing is offered by many local health departments, community health centers, hospitals, family planning clinics, and private doctors. An individual's name is given to the tester and the test result is entered into the person's medical record. New York State law protects the confidentiality of all HIV-related information. At both anonymous and confidential testing sites, pre- and post-test counseling should be offered.

• Where can I go to get tested?

  For both anonymous and confidential testing sites check the AIDS Council Testing Calendar or the Department of Heath's website, or call :

  • 518 HIV-TEST (Capital District area)
  • 800 201-AIDS (Northeastern New York)
  • 800 872-2777 (New York State)
  • 800 825-5448 (New York City)
  • 800 233-SIDA (Estado Nueva York-en Español)
  • 800 369-2437 (TDD for the Deaf)
  • 800 342-AIDS (CDC National AIDS Hotline)

• How do I know whether or not I've already been tested for HIV?

  If you don't know, chances are you have NOT been tested. You need to give specific consent to be tested for HIV in New York State. The only exceptions to this rule in NYS are: federal prison inmates, individuals indicted and/or convicted of sexual assault (special circumstances may apply), people entering the military or Peace Corps, newborn babies, and mothers presenting in labor and delivery without an HIV test on record.