HIV Testing

What is an HIV test?

Where can I get tested for HIV?

What questions should I ask?

How much does it cost?

Useful links

What is an HIV test?

An HIV test is a way for you to find out if you are infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, usually called HIV. HIV testing is available at health centers and other community organizations.

The federal and state governments provide funding for HIV testing.

HIV testing is voluntary. It is against the law in Massachusetts for doctors, other health providers, or health facilities to test a person for HIV without getting informed written permission from that person.

Where can I get tested for HIV?

You can get tested for HIV at community health centers, HIV/AIDS agencies, private health care offices, hospitals, family planning clinics, and other locations throughout Massachusetts. You can also buy a home test kit.

To find an HIV test site near you:

• Call the AIDS Action Hotline at 1-800-235-2331 (TTY: 617-437-1672)

  Hotline staff will discuss your testing options with you and find a test site that meets your needs. Hotline hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 9 PM; and Friday, 9 AM to 7:30 PM.

• Use the National HIV and STD Testing Center's online search tool: Find a Testing Site Near You

  Enter your zip code to find testing sites near you. For each site, you can see if oral or rapid testing is available at the site, if the testing is confidential or anonymous, and if testing is free.

You can also call any of the HIV test sites on these lists:

• Massachusetts HIV Counseling, Testing, and Referral (CTR) Programs
  This is a list of testing sites funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of HIV/AIDS.

• Get Tested Mass - Testing Sites
  This list from Fenway Community Health includes Dept. of Public Health clinics; integrated counseling, testing, and referral (CTR) sites;  Enhanced Medical Management Services (EMMS) sites; and testing sites in neighboring states.

For a home HIV test kit:

• The only FDA-approved home test kit is the Home Access HIV-1 Test System. You can buy the Home Access HIV test kit at most major drug stores and online. You can also buy the kit directly from the manufacturer. For more information, see the manufacturer's web site:

  Home Access HIV-1 Test System
  Home Access Express HIV-1 Test System

What questions should I ask?

When choosing a test site, you may want to ask about:

• Counseling and other services:
  HIV test sites usually offer pre-test and post-test counseling. Some sites offer integrated services including STD testing and hepatitis vaccinations as well as HIV testing.

• Confidential or anonymous testing:
  HIV tests are confidential at all test sites. No one will give out your test results or other health information without your written consent. Some sites also offer anonymous testing. With anonymous testing, you do not have to give your name. You are identified only by a code number.

• Rapid or standard test:
  Some test sites offer rapid testing. With rapid testing, you get your results in about 20 minutes. With standard testing, you get your results in 1 to 2 weeks.

• Blood test or oral test:
  Some HIV tests use a blood sample. Others use an oral swab.

• Free or fee:
  Many test sites offer free HIV testing for people who are at risk. Others charge a fee. Fees are often on a sliding scale based on income. Many health insurance plans pay for HIV testing.

How much does it cost?

Many Massachusetts testing sites offer free HIV tests for people who are at risk. At sites that charge a fee, insurance often covers the cost, or the fee may be based on a sliding scale according to income.

The FDA-approved home test kit, Home Access HIV-1 Test System, costs from $40 to $60 depending on where you buy it and whether you buy the standard kit or the express kit.

Useful links

These links are external links to web sites that are not part of MassResources.org. When you click on these links, you will leave our site. Click "Back" on your browser to return.

1. HIV Testing - The Body
   Detailed information about types of HIV tests, accuracy, interpretation of results, confidentiality, and testing issues for specific groups. The Body is a California-based web site, but most of the information is not state specific.

2. National HIV and STD Testing Resources
   Fact about HIV, HIV testing, and HIV prevention, FAQs, and a testing site search tool, from the CDC.

3. HIV Testing
   Information about types of HIV tests, how they work, the window period, accuracy, home testing, reasons to get tested, and FAQs, from Avert, an international HIV/AIDS non-profit organization.

    

HIV Testing section last updated on 5/11/10