How can I get tested?
This site contains HIV prevention messages that may not appropriate for all audiences.
You may call Bi-County Health or any of the other testing sites listed on the Where can I get tested page. When you speak with the nurse to make an appointment, you will be asked questions about your risk. If it is determined that you are at risk and an appointment is made, you will not be asked your name, but will be given a number to identify you. The testing will take two visits.
…will take about 30 minutes. You will receive education on how to protect yourself and then you will have a choice between either having your blood drawn for the test or receiving an oral test. The oral test is done using a special cotton pad that is inserted between your cheek and gum line. The swab is kept in place for several minutes to absorb mucosal tissue from the inside of the cheek. This test is just as accurate as the blood test.
Your second visit...
…will be ten days to two weeks later to receive your results. You will also receive more education.
The HIV test is extremely accurate. Positive results will be double checked using two different tests.
This page published with permission from Southern Illinois Regional Implementation Group.