1. In the last year, have you had anal sex without a condom with a man who is HIV-positive or whose HIV status you didn't know?
2. In the last year, have you had gonorrhea, syphilis or chlamydia?
3. Have you used crystal meth or poppers in the last year?

• You should get tested every 3 months
• If you are worried about a specific risk event, get tested one month after exposure (or after 2 weeks for RNA testing. You may need to get retested at 3 months to be sure of your results.

If you answered NO to all questions: You should get an HIV test every 6 to 12 months.

Important: If you develop a fever or flu-like illness (fever with muscle aching, fatigue, or sore throat) particularly after sex that you think could have been risky, get HIV tested using an HIV RNA test. In Seattle, this test is available at the STD Clinic at Harborview or at the Gay City Wellness Center.

There are two main types of HIV tests. The most standard HIV tests look for HIV antibodies. A second kind of test, called an RNA test, looks for the actual virus. (See below)

All HIV tests are over 99% accurate. However, all positive HIV tests must be confirmed with a second test (called the Western Blot). It can take from a few days to about a week to get these second results.

Antibody tests

Most people get an antibody test by giving a small blood sample (called a "blood draw"). This sample can also be used to test for syphilis at the same time.

Another antibody test is called the Oral HIV Test (Orasure®.) It uses oral fluids from the inside of your cheek. There is also a urine test, but it is not widely used.

Another antibody test option is home testing. You can buy a kit at most local drug stores. You prick your finger with a special device, place a drop of blood on a card, and then mail the card to a lab for testing. Later, you phone in for the results using a unique ID number, not your name. If your results are positive, you will be told how to get a confirmation test and access local treatment and support services. The only home test approved for use in the United States is called Home Access. Beware of other brands sold in stores or on the Internet.

Rapid HIV tests are antibody tests that can give results in about 20 minutes. Rapid tests use oral fluid or blood from a vein or finger stick to check for HIV antibodies. A positive rapid HIV test result must be confirmed with a follow-up test, which can take up to 2 weeks. Rapid tests may be slightly less accurate than standard antibody tests, but provide quick results.

RNA tests

RNA testing requires a blood sample. Finger stick or rapid versions are not yet available. The big advantage of RNA testing over antibody testing is the shorter window period (the time between infection and when testing can be done). RNA tests are available at the STD Clinic and Gay City.

For more about RNA testing, click here.

No matter what kind of HIV test you use, there is a short period of time right after infection when the tests won't be able to detect signs of HIV, even if you are infected. This is called a "window period." If you get tested too soon (during the window period), your results may be wrong. How long you must wait depends on the type of test you take.

For antibody testing:

When HIV enters the blood, the body reacts by making cells called antibodies. Most people will create enough antibodies just 4 weeks after infection though another test is recommended after 3 – 6 months to be sure. In very rare cases, it can take 6 months. Therefore, it's best to test one month after a possible exposure, and again at 3 – 6 months.

For RNA testing:

Most people will get accurate results 1 week after infection, although it may take up to 2 weeks. To be absolutely sure, you should wait 2 weeks before getting an RNA test.

1. Public Health STD Clinic
   Harborview Medical Center
   325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA
   (Ground Floor, East Clinic Wing)
   map and directions

   STD testing, STD treatment, and HIV testing (rapid and RNA testing available for men who have sex with men). Walk-ins and appointments:

   • Monday, Wednesday–Friday, 7:45 AM–6:30 PM
   • Tuesday, 9:30 AM–6:30 PM

   Walk-in patients should arrive before 3:00 PM. After 3:00 PM, it can be hard to predict if the clinic will be able to see you. You may want to call ahead to see if the clinic has openings or to make an appointment. Call 206-744-3590.

   Fees are based on your income, starting at a minimum fee of $15. You will not be turned away if you cannot pay. Your provider will discuss fee and payment options with you.

2. Gay City Health Project
   511 E Pike Street, Seattle, WA
   www.gaycity.org

   Free HIV (rapid and RNA testing available) and syphilis* testing for men who have sex with men:

   • Tuesday–Friday, 3:30–8:00 PM, and Saturdays, 1:00–5:00 PM

   Appointments are available by calling 206-860-6969. Walk-ins can also be seen on a first-come, first-served basis.

   *Gay City cannot test for other STDs or treat STDs. If you need a referral to places that do, call the HIV/STD Hotline at 206-205-7837.

3. Public health clinics also provide HIV testing for a fee on a sliding scale at several locations in King County.
4. Other Community Health Centers in Seattle and King County.

5. Private healthcare providers. Any private provider can provide testing for a fee. Insurance may cover the costs.

For more information on where to get tested for HIV/STDs in Seattle or King County, call the HIV/STD Hotline at 206-205-7837/800-678-1595 or click here

• We now have very effective medicines for HIV. These medications are available to everyone who needs them in King County, WA. If you have HIV, you should know it. It's knowledge that can save your life.
• If you know you have HIV, you can protect others from getting infected.
• If you have HIV, you can help the people with whom you've had sex or shared drugs get tested for HIV.
• If there is a possibility that your partner has had sex with anyone besides you, whether you know for sure or not, you should get tested.
• An HIV test can give you peace of mind. It is the only way you can know for sure if you have HIV.

It's a good idea to think ahead about getting your results. Do you think you'll need extra support? If so, arrange to call a friend, partner or family member after you get your results. That person might even be willing to go with you to your appointment.

If you do test positive, here are some tips on what to do next:

1. Find any emotional support you need. It may help to talk with family or friends. Some people need a little time on their own before they start talking about it with others. If you need support, you can get it at:

   Crisis Clinic: 24-hour support for people in emotional crisis.
   206-461-3222 www.crisisclinic.org

   Dunshee House: Weekly support groups for people with HIV and AIDS.
   206-322-2437 www.dunsheehouse.org

   HIV/STD Hotline: Referrals to other HIV support options.
   206-205-7837 or 1-800-678-1595

2. Find a healthcare provider. Even if you feel healthy, it's never too soon to find a healthcare provider and talk about treatment options or other health issues you may have. A good place to start is Public Health's One on One Program where you can get initial blood tests and medical advice. Call 206-205-7837.

   The AIDS Care Access Project at Lifelong AIDS Alliance can also connect you with local medical, dental and mental health providers. They can also help with medical insurance and ways to pay for treatment. Call 206-284-9277.

3. Tell any previous sex partners. If you think you may have exposed someone to HIV, it's important to let them know. If you feel uneasy about doing this, Public Health can help. A Public Health counselor can be with you when you talk with partners or give you some advice on how to do it yourself. A counselor can also contact your partners for you to explain that a previous sex partner has tested positive for HIV and offer free HIV testing. No information is given about you. All of these services are free. Call 206-205-7837.

More tips can be found in the booklet Now That You Know.

Great information about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be found at:

• STD Fact Sheets from Public Health
• Gay City's ACTION Handbook

You can also call the HIV/STD Hotline with questions about HIV and STDs:
206-205-7837, Monday–Friday, 11 AM–4 PM. (Interpretation in Spanish and other languages is available.)