Rapid Testing 101

Get free, anonymous and confidential HIV testing

Our testing sites are LGBT and IDU (what’s this?) friendly. Walk-ins are welcome during the Prevention Center hours or you can schedule an appointment.

• Test method: We use the OraQuick Advance rapid test. It can be done with an oral swab or a finger prick.
• Result time: Test results come back in 20 minutes
• Rapid tests can have 1 of 3 results:
• Non-reactive: no presence of HIV antibodies
• Reactive: HIV antibodies were discovered in your system
• Invalid: the test was faulty and a new test will be given
• Rapid testing is a screening device and cannot diagnose someone as HIV positive.
• If you receive a reactive result, a confirmatory test will be done to detect the HIV virus