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HIV/AIDS TESTING AND COUNSELING PROGRAM
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| How can I get tested for HIV at UHS? |
| What Kinds of Tests Are Done to Diagnose HIV? |
| Another Local Resource |
| Student Volunteers |
HOW CAN I GET TESTED FOR HIV AT UHS?
Confidential HIV/AIDS tests are available two ways at UHS.
| Through a regular clinic visit | Through the Office of Health Promotion and Education |
| Call (814) 863-0774 | Call (814) 865-6538 |
| Two options: OraSure Test or ELISA Blood Test |
OraSure (Oral Swab) only |
For PSU students: |
No charge for PSU students (funded through the Pennsylvania
Department of Health) |
| Results back in approximately 10 to 14 days for tests ordered by a UHS clinician. | Results back in 2 to 3 weeks. Confidential results are not part of your medical record and are not shared with UHS. |
Students receive counseling to help understand the results, to examine behaviors that necessitated the test, and to create risk reduction plans for the future. This is usually a 30-minute appointment prior to the testing and a 15-minute follow-up.
WHAT KINDS OF TESTS ARE DONE TO DIAGNOSE HIV?
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The Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was developed for the purpose of screening blood for the blood bank system. For individuals requesting an HIV antibody blood test, one specimen of blood is drawn that is used for an ELISA. A second test, The Western Blot test, which is considered more accurate but which is also more expensive, is used to confirm a positive ELISA. |
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| The OraSure HIV-1 collection device is the only FDA approved sample collection device available that uses oral fluid to test for antibodies to the HIV-1 virus. A small device resembling a toothbrush is placed between the patient's lower cheek and gums for 2 minutes to collect cheek cells. The cells then are analyzed for the antibodies. The test screens cheek cells, not saliva. |  |
Local resources for testing for HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STI) are:
Centre/Huntington County Tapestry of Health -
(814) 355-2762
· Combined testing for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis and
HIV
· Type of test: Blood
· Scheduling an HIV Test: Walk-ins accepted on Wednesdays
only between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. or by appointment
· Results: If tested by the end of the day on Thursday, results
will be available the following Monday.
Department of Health, Hamilton Avenue - (814) 865-0932
· Combined testing for Syphilis and HIV only
· Type of test: Blood
· Scheduling an HIV Test: Walk-ins accepted the 1st and 3rd
Thursday of each month between 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. or by appointment
· Results: 2 weeks
State College Medical Services, West College Avenue
- (814) 867-1788
· Combined testing for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis and
HIV
· Type of test: Blood
· Scheduling an HIV Test: By appointment only
· Results: 2 weeks
Students at Penn state campuses other than University Park may contact the campus health office or other community resources for further information.
Click the link for additional information about how you can get AIDS and the signs and symptoms
For more online information from the CDC, click on the logo below:
If you are interested in helping others and would like to become
a student volunteer with the HIV Testing and Counseling Program,
visit our Volunteer and Service
Learning page. Look for Individual Peer Health Education Service.
Other opportunities for involvement in the fight against HIV/AIDS are available through the student-led HIV/AIDS Risk Reduction Advisory Council.
Updated November 9, 2005