Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Testing and Counseling Services

HIV is a virus that is transmitted primarily by body fluids during unprotected sexual intercourse (including anal and oral sex), hypodermic needles and from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding. Some bodily fluids, such as saliva and tears, do not transmit HIV.

Reasons for HIV testing

• Promote early knowledge of a person’s HIV status.
• Receive HIV prevention counseling to reduce the risk for transmitting or acquiring HIV.
• Obtain access to appropriate medical, preventive, and psychosocial support services.

Types of Testing Available at CCHD

Both confidential and anonymous testing is available. With confidential testing, all identifiable information in the person’s medical record is protected from being shared. Confidential testing allow for referrals to other programs or medical care with your written consent. 

Anonymous testing is also available. No identifying information i.e. name, address is taken and no records are kept. Testing is completed and only you know the results. With anonymous testing referrals to other programs or medical care can’t be done. At any time during the process you can change to confidential testing to allow for referrals to medical care or community resources. 

Method of testing: 

CCHD uses a HIV 1/2 STAT-PAK®DIPSTICK screening test. It is a single-use rapid diagnostic screening giving visual detection of antibodies to HIV 1 and HIV 2.

If a person has a positive screening test they are referred for additional confirmatory testing. 

Counseling

A very important part of testing is the education component to prevent further exposure to HIV. Referrals to needle-exchange programs, medical specialists, community programs and the NYS AIDS Institute are made as needed. 

Free testing is done monthly usually on the 2nd Monday of each month. You can call for an appointment or walk-in during clinic times. Referrals can also be made to other community testing sites for earlier testing. Call 518-565-4848 for more information.