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Health and Human Services

Bucks County Health Department

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Bureau of Personal Health

HIV Counseling and Testing - HIV/AIDS Presentations - Local HIV/AIDS Resources - HIV/AIDS: Know the Facts and FAQs - HIV/AIDS Statistics & Surveillance - HIV/AIDS Awareness Days

HIV Counseling and Testing

Where?	When?
Neshaminy Manor Center                1282 Almshouse Rd.                           Doylestown, PA 18901                          Phone: 215-345-3281	Thursdays from 9 am to 5 pm
Bucks County Government Services Centers Levittown Field Office                                                7321 New Falls Rd.                         Levittown, PA 19055                           Phone: 215-949-5805	Tuesdays from 9 am to 5 pm
Quakertown Field Office                                            261 California Road Quakertown, PA 18951                      Phone: 215-529-7000	Various Tuesdays from 1 pm to 3:30 pm   (Phone for specific dates)

 

How?
Confidential HIV-Testing means that the individual’s demographical information is obtained and recorded with the results of his/her test. The only people with access to the test results are medical personnel, and the county and state health departments.

• The results are not posted in any public domain; they are strictly held by medical personnel and select health department staff.

Anonymous HIV-Testing means that an individual does not provide his/her name to the testing center, and only that individual has access to the results. For statistical purposes, the individual only provides his/her date of birth and zip code.

• The individual is provided with a code name or number when they take the test
• There is no way to trace an individual’s real name, address or social security number

Types of HIV Tests Used by Bucks DOH
A test can determine if an individual is HIV positive by looking for HIV-specific antibodies, which are found in their blood or fluid from the inside of their mouth. There are several HIV test options available:

• Standard blood test: An initial assay (the ELISA) is used to test an individual’s blood sample for HIV antibodies. If necessary, a more specific test (the Western Blot) is used to confirm that any detected antibodies are specifically HIV antibodies. The results are available in 1-2 weeks.
• Oral-fluid test: The Orasure© brand test is used to collect fluid from the inside of the cheek and outer gums, called oral mucosal transudate (OMT). The collected OMT is analyzed for HIV antibodies using an initial assay (the ELISA), and confirmed using a more specific test (the Western Blot), if necessary. This test is often referred to as the saliva test. The results are available in 1-2 weeks.

For more information on HIV Testing contact:
Kim Thomas, HIV Surveillance Nurse
Email: kmthomas@co.bucks.pa.us  
7321 New Falls Rd.
Levittown, PA 19055
Phone: 215-949-5805
Fax: 215-949-5819