HIV testing
Where can I get tested for HIV in King County? |
Public Health STD Clinic
Ninth and Jefferson Building [ MAP ]
908 Jefferson St, 11th Floor
Seattle, WA
Phone: 206-744-3590 Find a bus nearest the Public Health STD Clinic using Google Maps
On the left side of the map screen, click on the Directions link. Enter your starting point and be sure the drop down menu is selected for "By public transit" then press the Get Directions button. The map will provide instructions on which buses to take from your point of origin.
Walk-in clinic for STD evaluation/treatment and HIV testing
- Monday, Wednesday-Friday, 8:00 am - 6:30 pm
- Tuesday, 9:30 am - 6:30 pm
Registration opens at 7:45 am. If you need to be seen later than 4 p.m. please talk to our staff to make sure we are still accepting patients for the day. Fees are based on income using a sliding scale. NO PERSON WILL BE DENIED SERVICE BECAUSE OF INABILITY TO PAY. Patients may be charged a minimum fee of $15. Fees will be discussed with the provider you see.
To help speed your visit with the Public Health STD Clinic, you may download and print the following documents (PDF format,) fill them out, sign where appropriate then bring them with you:
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Other Community Health Centers in Seattle and King County.
Private healthcare providers. Any private provider can provide testing for a fee. Insurance may cover the costs.
Gay City Health Project
511 E Pike St. [ MAP ]
Seattle, WA 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/AIDS Program 206-296-4649.
Center for MultiCultural Health
105 14th Ave, Suite 2C [ MAP ]
Seattle, WA 98122 Free and anonymous HIV testing focused on Black/African American males. Drop in hours:
- Tuesdays: 10:30am – 12:00pm
- Thursdays:12:00pm – 1:30pm
Appointments are available by calling 206-461-6910 ext 217 or by emailing eduardo@cschc.org Earn $20 for testing if you are a Black/African American male.
Why should I get tested for HIV? |
- 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.
Why HIV Testing is Important for YOU. (Fact sheet in various languages) |
This fact sheet is formatted to be printed as a two sided flyer in color or black and white on letter size paper (8½" x 11"). It is available in Adobe PDF format in these languages:
What types of tests can I get? |
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"). Results from this test are usually available within a week. The blood sample can also be used to test for syphilis at the same time. 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. 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.
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 Public Health STD Clinic at Harborview for men who have sex with other men. Other individuals at high risk for HIV will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Gay City offers RNA testing as well, but only for men who have sex with other men. RNA testing is also available through most private doctors for a fee.
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RNA/PCR/NAAT Test
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Antibody Test
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| What the test looks for |
actual virus |
antibodies to HIV |
| Window period |
1-2 weeks |
1-3 months |
| Options for testing |
blood, no rapid |
blood, oral, rapid |
| Wait time for results |
1-3 weeks |
1 week; 20 minutes for rapid |
How long should I wait after a possible risk to get tested? |
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 within 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. 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:
- 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
- Dunshee House: Weekly support groups for people with HIV and AIDS.
206-322-2437
- HIV/AIDS Program: Referrals to other HIV support options.
206-296-4649
- 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 206-744-4377.
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.
- 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 206-744-4377.
Where can I learn more about STDs? |
You can find great information about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) at:
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