The Salt Lake Valley Health Department (SLVHD) provides anonymous and confidential HIV Antibody tests. The test is a blood or oral test that detects antibodies to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which can lead to AIDS. The SLVHD is the only anonymous test site in Utah.

The HIV Outreach Program provides free HIV testing and counseling outside of the HIV/STD clinic. Please call 534-4601 for more information about this service.

WHY GET TESTED

Taking the test is the only way to know if you are infected with HIV. Test results give you your HIV status as of 6 months prior to the test. If you test negative and have had no risk in 6 months, you will know you're not infected. If you have engaged in a high risk behavior in the past 6 months, your counselor will talk with you about risk reduction and help you come up with a plan that will keep you safe until your next test.

HOW THE TEST WORKS

Before the test, a trained counselor will be available to discuss in private any concerns or questions you may have about the test. They will explain to you how the test works and when you can obtain your results. They can also provide you with information to help you reduce your risk level. For anonymous tests, you will be given a number, which you will use to obtain your anonymous results. In approximately two weeks your test results will be available (unless you are tested with OraQuick in which your results will be ready in 20 minutes). When you come back for your results, a counselor will give you the results in private. They can answer any questions you may have and offer support if your results are positive.

If you are getting a confidential test, you will be asked your name and other personal information. This is the only difference between an anonymous and confidential test. For either test, you must come back in person to get your results. No test results will be given over the phone.

For information about the OraQuick and OraSure tests, check out their website at www.orasure.com