Departments
Health and Human Services
Bucks County Health Department
-- Main -- BioTerrorism -- Bureau of Personal Health -- Bureau of Environmental Health --
Bureau of Personal Health
HIV Counseling and Testing
Where? |
When? |
Neshaminy Manor Center
1282 Almshouse Rd.
Doylestown, PA 18901
Phone: 215-345-3318 |
Thursdays from 9 am to 5 pm
Walk-In |
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
Walk-In (Rapid Testing by appointment) |
Quakertown Field Office
515 S. West End Blvd.
Quakertown, PA 18951
Phone: 215-536-6500 |
Various Tuesdays from 1 pm to 3:30 pm (Phone for specific dates)
Walk-In |
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.
- Rapid HIV Testing: Rapid Testing process—test, counseling and results—takes about 40 to 45 minutes for individuals who meet the criteria. If the criterion is not met, individuals are still eligible to take the blood test or oral-fluid test. By appointment only in the Levittown Office
For more information on HIV Testing or to schedule a Rapid Test 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
