HIV Testing

What is HIV Antibody testing?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. The presence of the HIV antibody in the blood means that you have been infected with HIV. Testing the blood for the HIV antibody provides evidence of this infection. The blood test is not a test for AIDS. People with the HIV antibodies may or may not have the disease AIDS.

Who can be tested at Student Health Service?

Any student eligible for care at SHS may be tested. Testing includes before and after counseling with a member of the SHS medical or education staff. SHS offers confidential testing only.

Persons who should consider testing are:

  • Persons who may have a sexually transmitted disease
  • Persons sharing needles for any reason
  • Persons who consider themselves at risk
  • Women of childbearing age who are considering pregnancy
  • Transfusion recipients before 1985
  • Hemophiliacs
  • Sexual partners of the above
  • Persons who have intercourse (oral, vaginal, anal) without using a condom for protection.

What is Confidential Testing?

Confidential testing means your name will be printed on the test request and test results. The test results are included in your confidential medical record in an envelope separate from any other medical information. Test results cannot be released without a written authorization specifically requesting your HIV antibody test results.

Confidential testing is done in the Nurse's Clinic at SHS on a walk in basis 8 a.m.-11 a.m. and 2 p.m.- 3:30 p.m. Confidential testing is FREE if you have SHIP, $17.79 without SHIP. Note: If you are getting tested for travel or need documentation for any other reason, you need to take a Confidential Test. The cost is $7.79 if you have SHIP. Check in at the front desk and request "Counseling".

What is Anonymous Testing?

Anonymous testing means a random identification number is used to request the test and is printed on the test result. Your name is not used in the testing process at all.

The San Diego Department of Health Services and other community clinics offer free anonymous HIV antibody testing. These and other locations are listed at AIDS Test Locations

Read about the Reliability Ratings of Condoms.

For more information on HIV and other STD's, check out the Sexual Health Links on our resource page.