Where can people get HIV counseling and testing?
There are two main counseling and testing options in New York State. Anonymous HIV antibody testing is provided free of charge by the NYS Department of Health, NYC Department of Health, and by some county health departments. At anonymous testing sites, it is not necessary to use a name or other identifying information. People tested are given a code number, which they use to get their test results when they return. An anonymous test result is not recorded in a person’s medical record and may not be useful for accessing HIV-related services. People who test HIV positive at one of New York State’s anonymous sites can change their anonymous test result to a “confidential” status so they can access HIV-related medical care and support services without waiting for a second HIV test. If a person has clinical symptoms of HIV or other lab tests that indicate HIV infection, retesting is usually not necessary. Confidential HIV antibody testing if offered by many local health department clinics,
