Whats the difference between anonymous and confidential testing?
A. Anonymous and Confidential use the same testing method. The only difference is one does not have your name attached to the results. Anonymous antibody testing is available at Anonymous Test Sites in most states. Anonymous testing means that absolutely no one has access to your test results since your name is never recorded at the test site. Confidential antibody testing means that you and the health care provider know your results, which may be recorded in your medical file.
There is an important difference between confidential and anonymous testing for HIV. Confidential testing is a good option for people who need an official copy of their test result with their name on it. Confidential test results become part of your medical records, which can be released only with your written permission. Anonymous testing leaves no paper trail. When you have an anonymous test, you are known only by number, and the only person who learns the results is you.
Some sites will test you without asking you to provide proof of your identity. Other sites will ask you if you prefer to test anonymously or confidentially and let you decide before the test is administered. Some sites will only test confidentially meaning they require your name and other identifying information along with an ID. All positive HIV tests are required by Ohio law to be reported to the Ohio Department of Health. This information is maintained confidentially and is not released for public use. If you have concerns about whether you will be given a choice of testing anonymously or confidentially, call the testing site you want to go to and ask about their policy.
