What is the difference between an anonymous and confidential HIV test?
Anonymous HIV testing is provided free of charge by the NYS Department of Health, NYC Department of Health, and by some county health departments. At anonymous test sites, it is not necessary to use a name or other identifying information. People are given a code number that they use to get the test results when they return. Anonymous testing is NOT recorded in a person’s medical record and may NOT be used for attaining HIV-related treatment and services. People who test positive at one of the NYS’s anonymous test sites can change their test results to a confidential one so that they can access HIV-related medical care and support services without waiting for a second test. Confidential HIV testing is offered by many local health departments, community health centers, hospitals, family planning clinics, and private doctors. An individual’s name is given to the tester and the test result is entered into the person’s medical record. New York State law protects the confidentiality of all
