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Health and Human Services

Bucks County Health Department

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Bureau of Personal Health

HIV Antibody Testing Options

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that between 850,000 and 900,000 Americans are infected with HIV. An estimated 180,000 to 280,000 Americans do not know they are infected, and may continue to engage in behavior that could jeopardize their health, and the health of others.

Testing Programs : Voluntary counseling, testing, and referral programs (CTR) provide people an opportunity to learn their current HIV status, receive counseling about any behavioral changes needed to avoid infection or infecting others, and receive information and referrals to additional prevention programs, medical care or other services.

Confidential HIV Testing : means you give your name when getting tested. Only medical personnel or state health departments have access to the test results. You must provide written permission before this information can be revealed to others.

Anonymous HIV Testing : means that no name is given to the testing center and only you are aware of the results. Anonymous testing is available in 39 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Test results are given by randomly assigned numbers at the time of testing.

Types of HIV Antibody Tests
There are several HIV antibody tests being used today. All testing options are not available in all areas. Contact your local health department for the tests available in your area. Walk-in Clinics are available at all locations:

• Doylestown, Thursdays - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Levittown, Tuesdays - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Quakertown, Tuesdays - 1 to 3:30 p.m.
  
• Standard blood test : This was the first HIV antibody test developed and made available, and is the most widely used. With this test, an initial assay is used (the ELISA), and confirmed using a more specific test (the Western Blot)
• Oral mucosal transudate test : This test, an alternative to the standard blood test, uses a specially treated pad placed in a person's mouth, and gently rubbed between the lower cheek and gum. The pad collects an oral fluid called oral mucosal transudate (OMT). This fluid contains HIV antibodies in an HIV-infected person. This test does not test for HIV in saliva.
• Rapid HIV Testing: Rapid Testing Program completes the whole process - test, counseling and results - in 40 to 45 minutes for individuals who fit the criteria. If the criterion is not met, individuals are still eligible to take the current test. By appointment only in the Levittown Office. For information, or to schedule an appointment, please call 215-949-5805 ext. 230.

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