HIV Testing

AIDS is a frightening disease, but today there are new therapies and approaches that are keeping many people with HIV healthy. The first and most important step you can take is to find out whether you’ve been exposed to HIV. Once you know your HIV status, there are many choices you have to make that will keep you healthy.

AIDS Help offers free HIV testing at a number of test sites and times, as well as pre-arranged appointments 5 days a week.

HIV tests must be reported to the state health department in Florida, so it is important to be aware of the different types of testing available:
— Anonymous testing is where the results are linked to the person being tested by a code or alias known only to them. Neither the nurse/doctor ordering the test nor anyone else knows the identity of the patient. Only the test results and any demographic information provided are reported to public health authorities.
— Confidential testing is where the results can be linked to the person being tested. The nurse/doctor knows the identity of the person being tested, but keeps it confidential. The name of the person testing positive is not reported to public health authorities, only the test results and any demographic information provided.