Community Health Action offers a new HIV “Rapid Test.”  Now you can now receive your test results in twenty minutes plus a counseling session for a total of forty five minutes. The Rapid Test is conducted with a simple, painless finger stick. A tiny drop of blood is gathered and placed in a vial with of developer fluid. Results are then produced in twenty minutes.

HOW CAN HIV TESTING HELP YOU?

If tests show that you don't have HIV, you can learn how to stay HIV-free. (Someone who does not have HIV is called HIV negative.) If tests show that you do have HIV, you can get medical care right away to help you:

1. stay healthy longer
2. avoid getting some illnesses caused by HIV
3. get early treatment for illnesses that do occur.

Testing is the only way to know if you have HIV-and testing is the first step in getting medical care, counseling, and support if you need them.

WHAT STEPS SHOULD YOU TAKE BEFORE HAVING THE TEST?

The HIV test is important, but it is a big step. You should think about how having HIV could affect your life. These following three steps can help you to prepare for the test:

1. Consider telling someone you trust that you are having the HIV test. Support of a family member or a friend can mean a lot.

2. Find out how private your test results will be. Ask the clinic if anyone but you can learn your test results.

3. Set a time to get your results. Don't put it off. The test can help you only when you find out what it shows.

TESTING LOCATIONS

Rapid Testing is offered at our 25 Hyatt Street location, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am to 5 pm and Tuesdays from 9am to noon.   Drop-ins are welcome, or you can call (718) 808-1300 for an appointment. 

If you have any questions on this new technology, feel free to call our HIV Counseling and Testing Program at (718) 808-1300.

“OraSure” oral swab tests are available in our other sites and results are available in one week. This test does not involve blood. The test is conducted by removing fluids from your mouth with a swab which is then placed in a developer fluid and sent to the laboratory for processing.

Testing sites for OraSure:  (Mon.- Fri. 9:00am – 5:00pm)

Port Richmond Wellness Center

166 Port Richmond Avenue

Staten Island, NY 10302

Stapleton Wellness Center

380 Van Duzer Street

Staten Island, NY 10304

and our Main Office at:

56 Bay Street, 6th Floor

Staten Island, NY 10301

Our tests are offered in English and Spanish (translators are available).