HIV Testing

One in 10 people in Philadelphia who have HIV don’t know they have it. Therefore, it’s crucial to offer HIV testing as part of routine lab work, especially if the individual is at a higher risk of HIV acquisition.

Provide Opt-Out HIV Testing

  • Opt-out HIV testing involves notifying patients that HIV testing will be conducted unless they decline, such as when blood testing is part of the planned workup.
  • The CDC recommends that hospital emergency departments, primary care settings and other health care settings offer routine opt-out HIV screening as an evidence-based approach for HIV testing, regardless of reported risk behaviors.
  • Everyone ages 13-64 years who comes in for care should automatically be offered an HIV test, without having to ask for one. These broad, age-based testing criteria increase the number of tests performed and also help to reduce the stigma associated with HIV.
  • A patient’s decision to decline testing should be noted in their medical record.
  • HIV prevention counseling is not a requirement for HIV testing.
  • Use all clinical opportunities to offer an HIV test, which include the patient’s first visit to your office or ER, every time you order a blood test, and every time you do a Pap smear or sexually transmitted disease test.
  • Offer the test as part of routine care. For example: “I’m ordering some blood tests today and I see you have not had an HIV test in the past year. I normally order an HIV test for all my patients and would like to add it to your blood tests today.”

We encourage providers to offer routine, opt-out testing in their clinical setting. If a patient wishes to find testing in another setting, here are some other options:

  • Primary Care Provider, Urgent Care, and Health Center #1
  • Community Based Organization
  • In-Home HIV Test with the Philly Keep On Loving Self-Test Kit.
    • Philadelphia residents can visit the Philly Keep On Loving website to fill out a request form and an HIV self-test kit will be mailed to the address that is provided.
    • Each self-test kit contains these items:
      • OraQuick In-Home HIV Self-Test
      • “Understanding Test Results” Info Card
      • “What To Do Next” Info Card
      • Condoms and lubricant (optional)

Who should get tested for HIV?

  • The CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of their routine health care.
  • HIV testing should be made available to everyone.
  • People with the following risk factors should get tested at least once a year:
    • Men who have sex with men.
    • Individuals who have had anal or vaginal sex with someone who has HIV.
    • Individuals who have had more than one sex partner since their last HIV test.
    • Individuals who have shared needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment (for example, cookers).
    • Individuals who have exchanged sex for drugs or money.
    • Individuals who have been diagnosed with or treated for another STI.
    • Individuals who have been diagnosed with or treated for hepatitis or tuberculosis.
    • Individuals who have had sex with someone who has done anything listed above or with someone whose sexual history they don’t know.

FOR MORE HELP, CALL THE HEALTH INFORMATION HELPLINE AT 215-985-2437

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This site contains STI & HIV prevention messages that might not be appropriate for all audiences. Since these infections are spread primarily through sexual practices or by sharing needles, prevention messages may address these topics. If you are not seeking such information or may be offended by such materials, please leave this website.

This website is not intended as a substitute for your healthcare provider.

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