LGBT Center of Raleigh

Frequently Asked Questions about being tested at the Center

Where can I get tested?

Our testing services are performed by the Alliance of AIDS Services - Carolina (AAS-C) at our location in the Blount Street Community Engagement Center, 4 North Blount St, Raleigh NC 27601.

What is HIV?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV can progress to failure of the immune system which may allow life-threatening opportunistic infections to thrive. HIV is most frequently contracted through sexual contact. There is currently no cure for HIV, but there is appropriate medical care available that gives people the opportunity to live long, happy, healthy lives.

When can I get tested?

The Alliance of AIDS Services - Carolina (AAS-C) offers testing services at the LGBT Center every Monday evening from 5pm – 7:45pm. If you are unable to come during this time, please contact AAS-C at 919-834-2437 to coordinate another time.

Click to view Center's Testing Schedule

How much does it cost?

AAS-C offers FREE testing services.

Who should be tested for HIV?

Everyone.

What tests can I get?

AAS-C offers all interested individuals tests for HIV and syphilis. We further offer screenings for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and hepatitis C based on risk factors.

How does it work?

An AAS-C testing counselor will ask you to fill out some brief paperwork. The counselor will then provide you with pre-test counseling before beginning the process of collecting specimens for testing. HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis C are all tested through a blood draw. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia testing require a small urine sample for males and a self-collected sample for females.

What is the difference between a Rapid HIV test and a Traditional HIV test?

A Traditional HIV test looks to detect both HIV antibodies and HIV virus in the blood. This test is able to detect a reactive HIV result within two weeks of being tested. AAS-C only provides a traditional HIV test. A rapid HIV test looks to detect HIV antibodies in the blood. This test operates with a 99.7% specificity rate at three months prior to being tested. Rapid test results are given within 20 minutes of test initiation. So, if you had a possible HIV exposure three months ago, a rapid test would provide you with an accurate result. If you had a possible HIV exposure 3 weeks ago, the blood draw would be required to give you the most accurate result.

How do I get my results?

Rapid HIV results are given on location no more than 20 minutes after the test is initiated. Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and hepatitis C results are typically available within five working days and can be given over the phone by one of the Alliance’s counselors. Traditional HIV and syphilis results take approximately two weeks to come back from the NC State Lab. Syphilis results can be given over the phone, but for reasons of confidentiality HIV results must be given in person. All results are only given to the individual tested unless special accommodations have been made.

But I don’t want anyone to know I’m getting tested…..

The Alliance of AIDS Services - Carolina offers confidential testing. We do not share your information with anyone unless there is a positive test result. In the event of a positive result, AAS-C is required by law to report the information to the NC Department of Public Health in order to ensure individuals are properly linked to care.

What happens if I test positive for something?

The AAS-C Prevention Education Team is committed to ensuring all individuals testing positive for any STD are appropriately and expeditiously linked to care. We provide referrals to area health departments, the NC State Department of Public Health, Bridge Counseling services, Medical Case Management, and various psychosocial supports.

To complete testing paperwork beforehand, please print, complete, and bring this form with you....

English Testing Forms Spanish Testing Forms

You can get a lot more information from the AAS-C website: www.aas-c.org/testing.html.