The Commission offers FREE and CONFIDENTIAL HIV rapid testing. You can receive your test results in minutes plus a counseling session. The test is conducted with a simple, oral fluid test, and you don’t need to worry about needles or blood (your top and bottom gum is swiped once with a swab and then placed into a vial with developer fluid). This test is reliable and done on site here at the Commission.
Scheduling a Test
HIV testing is offered Monday through Thursday from 10am to 6 pm and Friday from 10am to 5pm. Drop-ins are welcome, or you can call (212) 584-9325 to make an appointment.
The test is provided at:
24 W 25th Street, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10010
(between Broadway and 6th Ave.) Map Link
Trains: 1, R,F,V,E,C to 23rd Street station
We also offer HIV Testing on difference place of the city. For more information click here and you will have a list of upcoming testing events.
How Can HIV Testing Help You? If the test shows that you don't have HIV, you can learn how to stay HIV-free (HIV negative). If the test shows that you do have HIV, you can get medical care right away to help you stay healthy longer and get early treatment for illnesses that may occur.
Getting an HIV test is important, but it is a big step. You should think about how having HIV could affect your life. These following three steps can help you to prepare for the test:
1 You might consider telling someone you trust that you are getting tested for HIV. Support of a family member, friend, or loved one can mean a lot.
2 Find out how private your test results will be. Understand how your results are stored and if anyone but you can learn your test results.
3 Set a time to get your results. Don't put it off. The test can help you only when you find out what it shows.
Have you had unprotected or vaginal sex during the last three months?
Have you ever paid someone to have sex?
Have you had a sexually transmitted infection within the past five years?
Are any of your current or past sex partners HIV positive?
Do you use drugs or alcohol to make sex more enjoyable?
Have you ever used a needle to inject drugs into your veins or under your skin?
Have any of your current or past sex partners ever injected drugs into their veins or under their skins?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may be at risk for HIV infection. Though these are things to be aware of, regular testing is always encouraged for anyone who is sexually active.
How long does it take for HIV to show up in a blood test? The HIV test is an antibody test that measures the body's reaction to the HIV virus. It takes up to three months after infection for the antibody to become present. That's why we call the period after exposure before an HIV-positive test the "window period" -- when people can actually be infected but have a negative or normal antibody test.
Doctors recommend a repeat test six months after the first to make sure the "window period" was truly negative. Most sexually active people at risk for HIV have interpreted this as the need to get an HIV test every six months.
How often should I get tested if I'm sexually active? The current HIV test detects the presence of HIV antibody. HIV antibody is your body's response to the presence of HIV virus. In most persons it takes a few weeks to develop antibodies that are detectable by current tests. 95% of people develop antibodies within 3 months after being infected. It is recommended that people take a second testing 6 months, because 99% of those infected will develop antibodies within 6 months. A positive test is positive no matter when the test was. A negative test becomes more and more a true and accurate result the longer after the possible exposure.
Is an oral HIV test as effective as one that draws blood? The oral HIV test uses the same substance -- serum -- as that used in the blood test. They are equally effective and both FDA- approved.
Do people with HIV have AIDS? Having HIV does not mean you have AIDS. HIV can remain dormant in the body for several years before some unknown factors trigger the infections associated with AIDS. The median incubation period for adults can be as long as 10 years. During this period, people with HIV may look healthy and be unaware of their infection status.
Is there a vaccination against HIV infection? Currently there is no vaccine available for HIV/AIDS.
What are high risk sexual behaviors? The following are high risk sexual behaviors:
* Anal sex without condom (active or passive).
* Oral-genital sex involving contact with semen or vaginal secretions.
* Oral-anal sex.
* Vaginal intercourse without condom.
* Blood contact of any kind including menstrual blood.
Questions? If you have any questions about HIV testing, feel free to call our HIV Counseling and Testing Line at (212) 584-9325 or send an email to imorales@latinoaids.org
How long does it take for HIV to show up in a blood test?
The HIV test is an antibody test that measures the body's reaction to the HIV virus. It takes up to three months after infection for the antibody to become present. That's why we call the period after exposure before an HIV-positive test the "window period" -- when people can actually be infected but have a negative or normal antibody test.
