HIV Testing
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HIV Antibody Tests
HIV antibody testing is used to screen and diagnose HIV infections.
Early identification, monitoring, and treatment can greatly improve
long-term health. And, knowing your HIV status may help you change
behaviors that might put you and others at risk. The test may use
a blood draw or urine sample (which may take up to 2 weeks to yield
results), or, at some sites, the Rapid Test by finger-prick or oral
swab (yielding results in 20 minutes).
University Health Services provides confidential testing services for Cal students. Your test results go into your confidential medical record, which cannot be released without your permission. In addition, HIV results have specific legal protections ensuring their confidentiality.
The HIV Antibody Test appoint is a nurse-only visit for an HIV lab order, with no exam or other tests included. Lab fees apply; see www.uhs.berkeley.edu for details. (Please schedule a medical appointment to test for HIV and other STIs. If you already have a scheduled appointment, your clinician can order the HIV antibody test as part of that visit).
Some people prefer to get an anonymous test, which allows them to be identified by a number instead of name. For anonymous testing or additional questions about HIV/AIDS, visit www.aidshotline.org or call 1-800-367-AIDS. Services listed may change. As of Fall 2009, these clinics had free, anonymous HIV testing by appointment:
| Berkeley Primary Care Access Clinic: | (510) 204-4601 |
| Berkeley Public Health Clinic: | (510) 981-5380 |
| West Berkeley Family Practice: | (510) 704-6000 |
- Medical Care: Call (510) 642-2000 or go online to schedule a medical appointment for STI tests, confidential medical evaluation and care for early HIV infection, or AIDS-related care.
- Counseling: Come to Counseling and Psychological Services, Room 3300 Tang, to make a first-time appointment. Individual counseling is available to discuss issues related to HIV/AIDS, relationship and couples counseling, experiences of oppression and discrimination, grief, loss or abuse, stress management, coming out, and academic and career concerns. If you prefer to talk with a counselor of a particular sex, ethnicity or sexual identity, we will do our best to arrange it. Inform the reception staff or write your request on the form.
- Social Services: Call (510) 642-6074 to schedule an appointment with a medical social worker for a confidential counseling to help manage problems that can emerge from illness, such as financial, academic, legal and family concerns, as well as provide campus and community referrals. Social workers also provide support during the initial adjustment period following a recent HIV diagnosis.
- Sexual Health Peer Education (SHEP): Trained peer educators can talk about HIV testing, disclosing status to potential partners, safer sex and how to make it fun, LGBT issues, and other sexual health concerns. Individuals and couples are welcome. Call (510) 642-2000 or go online to schedule an appointment.
- Health Insurance: Contact (510) 642-5700 for information on the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), and resources for domestic partners and dependents.
- Safer Sex Supplies: Traditional (often called "male") condoms and lube are available at reduced prices through the Tang Center Pharmacy.
- Workshops for Student Groups: SHEP peers are available for talks on sexual health, HIV/AIDS, and eroticizing safer sex. Health Promotion: (510) 642-7202.
- About Confidentiality: Your appointments with clinicians,
counselors, and other UHS staff are confidential. By law, your parents,
friends, professors, and school officials do NOT have access to
your UHS records. UHS must obtain your written permission prior
to releasing your health information, except when we are required
by law to release it.
For online appointment scheduling, fee schedules, and information updates, visit www.uhs.berkeley.edu.
