Health Promotion and Education Center

HIV Testing

What is HIV Testing?

What is Oral-Fluid Testing?

What is Rapid HIV Testing?

What's the Difference Between Confidential and Anonymous Testing?

Are My Test Results Reported to Anyone?

On-Campus HIV Testing

HIV Testing and Treatment Resources

What is HIV Testing?

HIV testing consists of an initial screening with two types of tests commonly used to detect HIV infection. The most commonly used initial test is an enzyme immune assay (EIA) or the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). If EIA test results show a reaction, the test is repeated on the same blood sample. If the sample is repeatedly the same result or either duplicate test is reactive, the results are "confirmed" using a second test such as the Western blot. This more specific (and more expensive) test can tell the difference between HIV antibodies and other antibodies that can react to the EIA and cause false positive results. False positive EIA results are uncommon, but can occur. A person is considered infected following a repeatedly reactive result from the EIA, confirmed by the Western blot test. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

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What is Oral-Fluid Testing?

Oral-fluid HIV tests offer an alternative for anyone reluctant to have blood drawn. Orasure© and OraQuick Advance HIV1/2 are currently the only FDA approved oral-fluid tests. Fluid is collected from inside the mouth and analyzed using an EIA test and supplemental Western blot test, if necessary. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

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What is Rapid Testing?

A rapid HIV test is a test that usually produces results in up to 20 minutes. In comparison, results from the commonly used HIV-antibody screening test, the EIA, are not available for 1-2 weeks. These rapid HIV blood tests are considered to be just as accurate as the EIA. As is true for all screening tests (including the EIA), a positive test result must be confirmed with an additional specific test before a diagnosis of infection can be given. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

L.A. County Office of AIDS Programs and Policy (OAPP) sponsored rapid HIV testing is available at the following clinics. Call for testing schedules and further information.

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What's the Difference Between Confidential and Anonymous Testing?

A confidential HIV test contains identifying information (e.g., name, social security number) and becomes part of the student’s confidential medical record. An anonymous HIV test does not contain identifying information.  An I.D. code is assigned by the agency providing the testing. To receive results of anonymous testing students must present their code. Which option you choose depends on your needs.

Advantages of anonymous testing include: it offers the greatest possible protection of privacy; you may feel more comfortable and test sooner; and it is usually free. Advantages of confidential testing include: you are able to receive written verification of your result; you may receive more individualized counseling from someone who knows you; and you may be able to enroll in follow-up services with the same agency.

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Are My Test Results Reported to Anyone?

By California law HIV infection is a reportable condition. Previously, new HIV cases were reported to local health departments using a non-name code system. Current law (effective April 17 '06) requires reporting new HIV cases by name and other identifying information (e.g., social security number). Confidential reporting enhances California's ability to monitor the HIV epidemic and allocate HIV prevention and treatment resources where most needed.

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On-Campus Testing

Confidential Testing: Confidential testing is available at the Student Health Center Monday – Friday by appointment. Pretest and posttest counseling are conducted by the Center’s clinical staff or health educators. Blood is drawn by the Student Health Center’s lab personnel. An outside lab processes the test and results are available in approximately 7-10 days. The fee for this test is $15.00 (subject to change).

Anonymous Testing: Free anonymous HIV testing is provided on campus by the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Mobile HIV Testing Unit (funded by OAPP). It is available for students, faculty, and staff. Testing is offered each quarter on a walk-in, first come-first served basis. Test results are available the week following the test date. Results must be received in person from the mobile unit staff. If desired, free confidential HIV is also available. The Drew Mobile Unit offers oral-fluid testing. See News and Events for upcoming test dates.

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HIV Testing and Treatment Resources

Confidential and anonymous HIV testing are available throughout the community. To find an anonymous or confidential test site near you call the CDC National AIDS Hotline at 800-342-AIDS (800-AIDS-TTY and 800-344-SIDA), check out HIV L.A., or visit the CDC's National HIV Testing Resources.

If you are infected with HIV or are at risk you will find a variety of HIV/AIDS related services through HIV L.A., a partnership between AIDS Project Los Angeles and the Office of AIDS Programs and Policy, L.A. County Department of Health Services.

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